A look around the American League East as the Red Sox take on the Marlins at Fenway..
- David Ortiz defended the atmosphere around the Red Sox locker room and lashed out at a report saying that there was a "toxic" atmosphere in Boston, writes Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe. When asked if he wants to return next season, the slugger said "I don’t know. I’ll think about it." Ortiz is earning $14.575MM this season and is set to hit the open market after this season.
- Rays skipper Joe Maddon said that the club was interested in Brooks Conrad during the offseason, according to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Tribune (via Twitter). Tampa Bay claimed Conrad off of waivers from the Brewers earlier today.
- The Blue Jays promoted Brian Parker to director of amateur scouting, writes Zack Meisel of MLB.com. Parker will take over for Andrew Tinnish who was promoted to assistant GM yesterday.
Strangely what was left out of the report was Ortiz was lashing out at the media.
Weird how that happens, right?
Ortiz wil return to Boston for the 2013 season, if offered a contract that reflects his abilities and his 2012 contributions. He will not leave because, as he indicates, the team is not “toxic” as that sports novelist, Nick Cafardo, would have his readers believe. Having watched the Red Sox series against the Marlins for three nights, I would say that David is telling the truth. Of course, I could be convinced otherwise, if Mr. Cafrdo would step forward with his copies of the e-mails, tweets, etc… that he claims support his contention that the Sox clubhouse is indeed “chemically laden with animus”. What say you Mr. Cafardo? Care to document your charges?
If he doesn’t like the soap opera in Boston then why resign there? Ohya thats right no one else would pay him what the sox would …. Suck it up! Watching this gong show blow up again will be priceless