David Ortiz is sick of the drama.
First, the Red Sox designated hitter dealt with the aftermath of the chicken and beer escapades that plagued the team in September. Nine months later, Ortiz was forced to defend himself after an ESPN report surfaced calling the clubhouse "toxic."
As a result of the constant commotion in recent months, Ortiz lashed out at reporters on Thursday and expressed his displeasure with the turmoil.
"It's becoming to be the [expletive] hole it used to be," Ortiz said. "Look around. Playing here used to be so much fun. Now, every day is something new -- not related to baseball. [Reporters] need to leave us alone, play ball and do what we know how to do.
"I'm just tired of dealing with the drama here. This is baseball, man. It seems like everything that goes on around here is like one of those Congress decisions that will affect the whole nation. It ain't like that, man, this is baseball. We're supposed to have fun, to have our performance out there at the highest level. Every day is something new, some drama, some more [expletive]. I'm tired of that, man."
When asked if he was still having fun in Boston, Ortiz shook his head. At 36, the slugger's performance this season doesn't reflect his frustrations, considering he's blasted 18 home runs and 49 RBI while batting .313.
But Ortiz's aggravation stems from the offseason, when the Red Sox didn't offer him a multi-year contract. Instead, the team and Ortiz came to terms on a one-year, $14.58 million deal and didn't give him the long-term security that he desired.
At this point, the 36-year-old isn't sure if he'd like to return to the Red Sox once his contract expires.
"I don't know," Ortiz said. "I'll think about it."
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