Projo Sox Blog

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- David Ortiz likes to joke around and have fun when he arrives at work on a daily basis. For some reason, though, his personality really comes out during the postseason.

He was surrounded by reporters prior to the club's workout today at Tropicana Field, and when he was asked about past scrums between the two teams, the Sox' slugger downplayed the situation.

"There's no bad blood," he said. "This isn't the WWF. This is a baseball game, bro. I'm out there hugging them and they're hugging me back. Sometimes things happen in the game, but it stays on the field. It's not like you're going to wait in the parking lot to whip his [butt]."

When the Red Sox arrived at Tropicana Field Thursday afternoon, most of the players said it was a strange feeling to be playing here in October, including Ortiz.

"How many times do you come to Tampa to play in October? Not many," he said. "I think it's good for the game, having Tampa in the playoffs. People get tired seeing the same team every year. People got tired of seeing the Yankees, but hopefully they don't get tired about seeing us."

On the field, Ortiz took ground balls at first base during the team's infield practice.

 Tags  ALCS David Ortiz Red Sox

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