Day 304: David Ortiz, Your Contract Threats are Not Cool.

Dear Mr. Ortiz,

Let me begin by telling you how much I've enjoyed watching you play for the Boston Red Sox over the past 11 years. It's been fun seeing your smiling face celebrate three World Championships and there's nothing more entertaining than a Big Papi home run. You have really become one of my favorites in the way you lead this team.

With that said, I'm also incredibly disappointed in you right now. I'm disappointed that you consistently bring up your contract and your wish to negotiate a multi-year deal at the most inopportune times. In case you've forgotten, there is still another year left on your current contract. And while your 2013 was amazing, what happens if you suck in 2014? Can the Red Sox add an "if Papi sucks" clause?

Everyone in Boston knows your history. We all know you're the greatest designated hitter to ever grace the game of baseball and easily one of the most clutch hitters in the history of Boston sports. Your digits in the 2013 playoffs where off the charts—a .688 batting average in the World Series, a grand slam that completely changed the AL Championship Series—and this after hitting .309 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs during the regular season at the ripe old age of 38.

And therein lies the problem. You're 38 now and by the time your current agreement has ended, you'll be 39. You realize that in baseball years, that's pretty close to dead, right? I'm not sure if you've noticed, but long gone are the days when teams are willing to pay a guy a hefty salary to just bat four or five times a game. Teams are placing less and less importance on the position of designated hitter, paying the big bucks to the more multi-faceted players who can contribute both offensively and defensively.

If you're feeling disrespected, if you're feeling unloved, passive aggressiveness is not the answer. It's not attractive. Just have a little faith in the team from the city you've called home for so long that they'll make you a fair offer so you don't end up living in a cardboard box under the bridge. Also, it would be nice if you could stop with those ugly "maybe I'll go somewhere else where they appreciate me" threats. Or maybe you should look at taking a page out of Jon Lester's book—a guy that wants to stay in Boston so much, he's willing to take that dreaded "hometown discount."

I want to continue to cheer you on, Mr. Papi. I want to continue to watch you blast home runs and maybe even celebrate another championship. But please... just knock this contract shit off.

Yours Truly,
Stacy