Ortiz on signings: 'I think we're on our way'

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic -- Speaking at the reception gala for the David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic at the Sanctuary Hotel Thursday night, Ortiz exuded optimism after the Red Sox' recent acquisitions of Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino.

"We're getting some good players," he said. "We're getting good players, and that's what it's all about. That's how you win games."

Ortiz later elaborated, saying, "I think we're on our way. They still have some other things to do. I think that's a good way to start things. There's a lot of guys who still can go that I'm sure they're going to be chasing. I tell you guys, the winter meetings and up, you're going to see some things happen."

Ortiz appeared genuinely relieved that the Red Sox had added to the middle of the batting order, especially from the right-side. When appearing on the Hot Stove Show a week before he had said the team needed more "thunder" in its lineup, which he believes they received with the signing of Napoli.

"Power is hard to find right now," he said. "Whenever you get a power hitter you have to keep them in today's game, and Napoli is one of those guys. You need guys who are game-changers, and he's one of them. That's good to hear."

Ortiz also touched on the importance of having a righty-stacked lineup against an American League East which features some of the top left-handed pitchers.

"I think the American League is packed with good left-handed pitching," he said. "We're having a lot of lefties coming in, even before last year with C.C. [Carl Crawford] and Gonzo [Adrian Gonzalez], we had a lot of lefties in the lineup. We need that help. They won't be putting that many lefties against us."

Ortiz also talked about his familiarity with Victorino, whom the DH praised, as well.

"That's my boy," he said. "I'm very happy he's going to come in and join us. He's going to be a guy people are going to love in Boston. He goes at it hard, and he's got a lot of adrenaline going on. I love that. That gets me going."

The event included Ortiz' current teammates Mark Melancon and Clayton Mortensen in attendance, along with former teammates Pedro Martinez and Johnny Damon, among other athletes and actors. It is a gathering that raises money for the David Ortiz Children's Fund, which provides critical pediatric healthcare to children in New England and the Dominican Republic.

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