This has become a familiar sight in Beantown.

 Yet another embarrassing game for David Ortiz.  0-7 with 12 runners LOB.  But this year, games like this are increasingly becoming the norm for the former vaulted slugger. 

To say that the 6’4″, 230-lb. left-hander is in a slump would be an understatement.  After a four-year run (2004-2007) during which Big Papi hit .304 with an average of 44 HRs and 135 RBIs, there was a notable decline last in 2008 – he hit just .264 with 23 HRs.  

On the tails of last year’s decreased productivity, comes this season’s paltry stats – - a mere .208 batting average and ZERO home runs.

Now, of course, Papi has been bitten by the injury bug over the past two seasons.  Before the 2009 seeson, Ortiz spoke with Peter Gammons regarding his own injuries and the hot topic of steroids.  During the conversation, Peter Gammons sums up his comments – - Papi says let’s just move forward from here and say that anyone who tests positive should be banned for the season.

It doesn’t take a critical eye to read between the lines and piece together an ugly, but probable scenario.  Four monster, MVP-caliber seasons.  Bad press about steroids inlcuding stiff penalties.  An injury-riddled past couple of years.  And finally, greatly diminished production.

On top of that, there was a teammate with whom he excelled.  This teammate put up great numbers, too - batted well over .300  with roughly 40 homers per season.  And here’s the latest scoop on him.

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