First to Third: Big Papi, Little Bat

It's May 12th. David Ortiz is hitting under .250 and you can count his home runs on one hand... actually, you don't even need any hands. Papi is 34 years old this season and has seen his home runs and batting average drop faster than the NASDAQ in each the past two years.

The NASDAQ will bounce back (eventually, right?) but the big question is: will Ortiz? If he really is healthy, a point of contention in Red Sox Nation, is he done? Personally, I don't think he'll reclaim the .332 batting average of 2007 or the 54 home runs of 2006, but I think he's still a serviceable DH-type. I'd certainly take him over the unemployed Frank Thomas or Barry Bonds. He still showed that he can hit against the Yankees, going 3-for-6 with two doubles in the first game of a two-game series. I fully expect him to hit 20-25 home runs and bat around .250, but for a middle of the order hitter, is that good enough for a team that looks destined for October?

Contract-wise, he's signed through 2010 at $12.5 million per year with a club option for 2011 and if he wants to stick around past then, he better start hitting - soon.

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