Red Sox to retire #34 on June 23rd

TonyPenaNeverJuiced

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Jun 7, 2015
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Well, I'm happy. I don't think many people will get upset about how quick this is happening - does anyone really care about the "rules" for this? No one has loomed larger over this franchise, ever.
 

Mugsy's Jock

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So happy for El Guapo! At last!

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Edit: First version was ALL CAPS. I love Rich Garces to death, but that was probably overdoing it.
 

effectivelywild

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Jul 14, 2005
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Are there any more opposite players than Rich Garces and Scott Cooper?
I'd maybe offer up #38. Schilling came here and, for whatever his post-playing career warts, ended the drought and then added one more for good measure. Castillo, on the other hand, while signed for slightly less in AAV (not factoring in inflation, of course) has...well, not done either of those things.
 

effectivelywild

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Exactly my thought as well. So June 23 must be Papi's opt-in deadline: "We're either retiring your number or welcoming you back" Day.

Works for me!
It's all a ruse. Imagine the hysteria when, on June 24th, a mystery man appears out of the dugout wearing 34. "Good God, That's David Ortiz's music!" as the "retired" jersey bursts into flames to reveal a sign that says "This is our fucking city!"
 

smastroyin

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There are many ways to say opposite other than waist size or skin color.

Originally I was going to use Shea Hillenbrand and Adrian Beltre, because they were definitely opposite in terms of over/under rated based on BA, one was a redneck while the other was a black Dominican, one was in general regarded as a loner douchenozzle and the other was generally regarded as a super fun guy that people loved even if touching his head pissed him off.

I decided to go with "good not great player who is most famous for his central role in the history of the Red Sox" vs "HoFer who most people have already forgotten ever threw a pitch for the Red Sox", if you're curious. They also wore #29 consecutively, though there was a 3 year gap. Also I figure anytime people hear the name Foulke around here they get a little buzz of joy for a second, and we need more of that.
 

Ale Xander

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Manny Ramirez and David Price

Yeah I went there. Success of blockbuster FA signing and player's personality and demeanor
 

biollante

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They lost last year because of their obsessive hero worship and now they want to start it all over again ? I think if you wait a few more years it will mean more. I would be more satisfied with Ortiz playing rather than being worshiped again.
 

Savin Hillbilly

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The wrong side of the bridge....
Manny Ramirez and David Price

Yeah I went there. Success of blockbuster FA signing and player's personality and demeanor
It's way too early to evaluate the success of Price's signing--and if last year's performance is our guide, then the contrast with Manny is not very pronounced, since Price was pretty good last year.

They lost last year because of their obsessive hero worship and now they want to start it all over again ? I think if you wait a few more years it will mean more. I would be more satisfied with Ortiz playing rather than being worshiped again.
This sounds like an interesting narrative. Can you elaborate?
 

the1andonly3003

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Jul 15, 2005
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Well, I'm happy. I don't think many people will get upset about how quick this is happening - does anyone really care about the "rules" for this? No one has loomed larger over this franchise, ever.
hope they sell enough tickets to this game so JHW can stop complaining they are poor and current young crop will walk in 3 years :mad:
 

John Marzano Olympic Hero

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They lost last year because of their obsessive hero worship and now they want to start it all over again ? I think if you wait a few more years it will mean more. I would be more satisfied with Ortiz playing rather than being worshiped again.
What happened last year with Ortiz was not enough. The man should be worshipped every day and twice on Sundays. Every home game should be celebrated with a moment of Ortiz. Every time the Sox DH goes to the plate the announcer should say, "Now batting, the Designated Hitter not named David Ortiz, ..."

Obsessive hero worship last year? The man deserved that and much more. Sorry that it took away from your enjoyment of the games.
 

E5 Yaz

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What happened last year with Ortiz was not enough. The man should be worshipped every day and twice on Sundays. Every home game should be celebrated with a moment of Ortiz. Every time the Sox DH goes to the plate the announcer should say, "Now batting, the Designated Hitter not named David Ortiz, ..."

Obsessive hero worship last year? The man deserved that and much more. Sorry that it took away from your enjoyment of the games.
Every home game will replace "Play Ball!" with "This is our f'king city!"
 

the1andonly3003

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Dogman

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Yes, I read that report but had not seen your posts in that thread.

I don't think you understand the Sale trade, roster construction, nuance to Henry's quote, or what a strawman argument entails.

Please do not cross pollinate threads with the same crap.
 

biollante

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Maybe Ortiz will come back after spring training. He seemed uncertain about his retirement. I don't think any veteran likes spring training. I would rather see him play than have the Sox retire his number.
 

donutogre

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Maybe Ortiz will come back after spring training. He seemed uncertain about his retirement. I don't think any veteran likes spring training. I would rather see him play than have the Sox retire his number.
How does he seem uncertain? I feel like every single interview I've seen with him has been the same message: he's going to miss it, but his body is just done. He's not coming back.

I think the only thing he hinted at to the contrary was his tweet after the Sox signed Sale. But that's Twitter so I'm going to take that one with a huge grain of salt. Pretty clearly just joking around there.
 

joe dokes

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Jul 18, 2005
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Maybe Ortiz will come back after spring training. He seemed uncertain about his retirement. I don't think any veteran likes spring training. I would rather see him play than have the Sox retire his number.
I'll play. Retiring his number doesn't preclude him from coming back. However, the fact that he submitted his retirement papers creates some wrinkles.
 

Rasputin

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How does he play in the playoffs if he does not play in the regular season?
They add him to the 40-man on the last day of August and he uses September to get into game shape, then bam, post season roster here we come.

I mean, it's dumb and it won't happen, but that's how it could.
 

reggiecleveland

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He was clear that they grind it too to get ready, the off season was what was the problem. We all love the guy, but never underestimate how hard these guys work. There is no "intangible" quality that will allow him to roll of bed and hit. In fact the off season work he has missed already means it is already too late. There is also the fact he was aching a lot. Even the pregame 7 04 Oritz was talking about waking up in pain. Each day he has less pain will seem better and better.