Monday, August 9, 2010

Player Spotlight: Victor Ortiz

Victor Ortiz
Cincinnati
Red Stockings
Age: 26B/T: S/R
Born: San Antonio De Los Banos, CU
Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH
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The new ownership group in Cincinnati sent shock waves through the 23Mattingly23 community with the massive contract signing on one Victor Ortiz, whose 5 year, $110 million contract is one of the largest in world history. While some owners questioned the move, Ortiz was certainly the best hitter available on the free agent market in Season 14, only one year removed from his single season batting record of .381. Over the past 4 seasons, Ortiz has averaged over 38 HRs and 115 RBIs, making him an instant impact player in the Cincinnati lineup. Teaming up with another slugger Sam Nicholson, who continues his climb up the career RBI ladder, Ortiz now has an unprecedented amount of protection and could post more monster numbers in the hitting friendly Great American Ballpark. 


Victor Ortiz began from the humble roots of San Antonio De Los Banos, Cuba. Signed as an International Free Agent at age 18 in Season 6 for $14 million, he soared through the minor leagues making his debut in Toronto on Opening Day in Season 7 and his first All Star Game appearance in Season 8. By Season 9 Ortiz really hit his stride and became a dominant force in the National League winning his first of five silver sluggers. All told, Ortiz has the aforementioned NL Silver Sluggers (2B), Six consecutive All Star Game appearances, One All Star Game MVP, One Home Run Derby Championship, and One NL Most Valuable Player Award... and Ortiz is only 26 years old! Playing in hitter friendly Cincinnati should help Ortiz on his climb up the career ladder in virtually every major hitting category. The one thing that continues to elude this superstar is a World Championship. Ortiz played in the Season 12 World Series with Pawtucket, but the overpowering pitching of the St. Louis Grifters proved to be too much for the Codfish.


Following his MVP campaign in Season 13, Victor Ortiz decided to cash out and hit the open market. The new ownership group in Cincinnati hopes that the addition of one of the biggest superstars in 23Mattingly23 can help propel the Red Stockings to a World Championship. Owner lesliechow said of the massive contract given to Ortiz, "He is worth it to Cincinnati fans. They will be seeing a lot of long balls this summer at GABP." The Red Stockings hope that Ortiz can also deliver them hardware absent since the World Championship won back when the franchise called Dover home.

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