Column Stuff You Might Have Heard
David Ortiz comes through with clutch off-day

Longtime Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was up to his old ways today by coming through with a clutch off-day, sitting out of the lineup so someone who can hit could play. "People want to count David out," said Boston manager Terry Francona. "But I think he showed today that he can still help this team in a big way." Ortiz came through in the first inning by not batting, and again in the third, sixth and eighth. He also threw out his glove. "Without those four non-at-bats by David," I don't think we win," said Francona. Ortiz says he's glad to be helping the team again. "It's all thanks to the support of my teammates," he said. "It was their suggestion that I not play. Ever again."