David Ortiz (or-TEEZ, IPA: \or.ˈtiz\) born David Américo Ortiz Arias (November 18, 1975 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic), is a Major League Baseball first baseman/designated hitter who plays for the Boston Red Sox (since 2003). Previously, Ortiz played for the Minnesota Twins (1997-2002). He bats and throws left-handed. Ortiz consistently hits for power to all fields. For a slugger, he is a good two-strike hitter and a hard man to strike out, particularly in recent years, as he has become more disciplined at the plate. Like many left-handed power hitters, Ortiz feasts on pitches down and over the inside half of home plate. While he is below average in foot speed, Ortiz is a heads-up player who will try for the extra base hit at the right time. He also plays first base, though he is fairly immobile on the field. On April 10, 2006, the Red Sox announced that they have agreed to terms on a contract extension with Ortiz, and have secured him as a member of their team until 2010, with a club option for 2011.
