Terry Francona offers to donate to David Ortiz’s charity if he retires immediately

Terry Francona would rather not face his old buddy David Ortiz.

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Terry Francona knows just how valuable it is to have David Ortiz on your roster in the playoffs, so he’d rather not have to face Big Papi this postseason. Too bad.

Ortiz is penciled in the lineup in his usual cleanup spot as he Indians and Red Sox open their series in Cleveland on Thursday night. Francona is hoping a bit of philanthropy can get Big Papi scratched, though.

Francona said he wants Ortiz to retire today. "I'll write a check to his foundation."
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) October 6, 2016

Why is Tito so desperate not to face Ortiz? In the 10 postseason series they played together, Ortiz batted .310 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs in 45 games. Oh, and then there’s the two World Series rings.

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Published Oct 6, 2016 | Modified Oct 6, 2016

DAN GARTLAND

Dan Gartland writes Sports Illustrated’s flagship daily newsletter, SI:AM, and is the host of the “Stadium Wonders” video series. He joined the SI staff in 2014, having previously been published on Deadspin and Slate. Gartland, a graduate of Fordham University, is a former Sports Jeopardy! champion (Season 1, Episode 5).

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