Vote for Big Papi!! Ortiz selected in final ballot for Hank Aaron Award

[riverside sluggers]

Ortiz among AL Aaron Award finalists

Red Sox DH producing his third consecutive monster year

By Ian Browne / MLB.com

 

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In yet another example of how far David Ortiz has come from his days as a relatively obscure platoon player for the Minnesota Twins, the All-Star masher of the Red Sox is now in the running for an award named after the game's all-time home run leader.

Yes, Ortiz is one of six American League finalists for the prestigious Hank Aaron Award presented by CENTURY 21, an annual salute to the finest all-around hitter in both leagues.

 

To get a sense of how premier a slugger you have to be to win the award, consider that Ortiz's close friend Manny Ramirez was the 2004 American League winner and Barry Bonds won it in the NL. Because he is a DH, there could be a tendency to label Ortiz as a one-dimensional player. However, he makes as much of an impact with that one dimension as anybody in the game. "I do nothing except go up there and hit," said Ortiz. "That's the only way I can get people to know me, going out there and producing at the right time."

 

And has he ever. All Ortiz did for the Red Sox last October was lift them on his back, and out of the depths of a 3-0 American League Championship Series deficit against the Yankees. Ortiz supplied walk-off hits to cap extra-inning marathons in Game 4 and 5, and smoked a two-run homer in Game 7, and then a three-run shot in the first inning of Game 1 of the World Series. He is now a household name -- simply Big Papi in Boston -- in both the United States and the Dominican Republic.

 

The other American League nominees are Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada, White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, Angels right fielder Vladimir Guerrero, Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira. The National League nominees are Andruw Jones (Braves), Derrek Lee (Cubs), Ken Griffey Jr. (Reds), Miguel Cabrera (Marlins) and Morgan Ensberg (Astros). A panel assembled by Major League Baseball and CENTURY 21, the sponsor of the award, reduced the list from the top vote-getter from each club as chosen by the fans to the six finalists from each league. The annual honor, awarded in October, recognizes the best offensive performer in the American and National Leagues.

 

From Sept. 6-30, fans will vote for the player who they feel gave the best all-around offensive performance of the 2005 season. Voting in that final phase will take place at MLB.com and Century21.com. The winners will be announced at a press conference prior to Game 4 of the World Series. Ortiz is producing his third consecutive monster year since joining the Red Sox. Entering play on Sept. 5, he ranked second in the American League in home runs, first in RBIs, fourth in runs scored, fourth in total bass, fifth in doubles, second in walks, fourth in on-base percentage, second in slugging percentage and second in extra-base hits.

 

"You root for this guy," said Red Sox first baseman Kevin Millar. "He's an all-around good guy and the most dangerous left-hander in the big leagues right now. Who's better?" With the game on the line, opposing pitchers shudder at the thought of the menacing Ortiz standing in the batter's box. "Teams know this guy is a wrecking force," said Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon. "Teams know their focus has got to be on him. The one guy you don't want to beat you is Ortiz." And Ortiz loves the challenge.

 

"I don't think about the next guy," said Ortiz. "I always think about 'OK, I got to get the job done.' I believe in myself; I believe I can do it. That's all I put in my mind."

 

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/mlb/fan_forum/ha/y2005/final_vote_ballot.html

[Sizzlin22]

I actually tihnk with another GW home wile that last night, he may have moved up his chances for the MVP. (I know I've argued that A-Rod desreves it)

[Ray10]

Big Papi showed again last night why he should be the won to win the A.L MVP. I know he'd have my vote.

[ARod2212]

I actually tihnk with another GW home wile that last night, he may have moved up his chances for the MVP. (I know I've argued that A-Rod desreves it)

Hits like that help a case. We'll see if Rodriguez can do anything special down the stretch.

[Sizzlin22]

I don't know how he keeps doing it, you literally can't pitch to him in a close game past the 7t inning you just can't pitch to him. We may never see a clutch hitter like David Ortiz ever again. Even scarier the fact that he's only 29.

[See Red]

He just kicks it into another gear when it's close and late or there's runners in scoring position, no matter how many outs there are. I am forever indebted to Big Papi.