David Ortiz Not Happy With Contract Negotiations

David Ortiz won't be all smiles if the Boston Red Sox don't
give him a multi-year contract extension.

David Ortiz has been among the most likable players in all of MLB Baseball throughout the past decade. 

Between his huge smile, involvement in the home run derby on a yearly basis, and coming through in the clutch repeatedly for the Boston Red Sox, Ortiz is a household name that demands respect in the clubhouse. 

Ortiz isn't feeling much respect lately.  And he is not happy either. 

"I just want to cut out all the crap and go back to the guy I was before, a happy guy who doesn't have to be answering questions that have nothing to do with anything but controversy. I just want to be able to play baseball and have fun, like I used to," Ortiz told WEEI.com. "That's where I came back to not wanting just one year, because I know it's going to be just the same thing.

If anybody deserves a multi-year contract from the Boston Red Sox, its David Ortiz.  He has given his heart and soul to the organization.  He, along with Manny Ramirez and Pedro Martinez, built 'Red Sox Nation.'  Not giving Ortiz a multi-year deal would be a slap in the face for the slugger. 

Part of the reason the Sox may be hesitant to extend Ortiz's contract is that he started out 2010 with a terrible April, hitting just .143 with 1 home run and 4 RBI's while striking out 21 times.  The media in Boston and the guys at Baseball Tonight were questioning if Ortiz should be let go.  If he should be put on waivers.   

But Ortiz was able to turn it around and finished the season hitting .270, belting 32 home runs and knocking in 102 RBI's.  Pretty impressive. 

But Ortiz only remembers how he was treated when he struggled. 

"As soon as you struggle for a week, it's going to be the same thing. People saying you are old, saying you have no bat speed anymore. People talking all kind of crap. It's hard to avoid that because it's all over the place. You're a regular human being just like everyone else. It's not like you're in a cage, locked up and you come to the field and that's it. It's not like we don't watch TV, listen to the radio, read the newspaper. We are all connected to that stuff, especially here."

Ortiz should be angry.  He should be angry with the Red Sox for not handing him a multi-year deal.  And if Ortiz is let go, he should let the Boston media know his displeasure, especially since its been his personality that has helped create 'Red Sox Nation.'

Related articles

• David Ortiz says he is 'not comfortable' with a one-year deal to stay with the Boston Red Sox. (sports.espn.go.com)
• Ortiz Wants Security, Defends Hitting Ability (mlbtraderumors.com)
• Big Papi looking for long-term security (mlb.mlb.com)