Big Papi renounces citizenship

"The Yankees, they always found a way to get s--- done. I don't know how they do it," Ortiz said.


Ortiz said that word of mouth around the league from those who play -- or have played -- for the Yankees is that New York is the best place in the majors to play.

"Their players always pass that around, that the Yankees are the best team to play for, this and that and blah, blah, blah," Ortiz said. "That's why there are a lot of players who want to go there and see what's up, and then they come out with the same communication. Why? I don't know."

That practice occurs in Boston, too, but Ortiz said he's never been asked by another player what it's like to play in Boston.

"Actually, I never get to talk to anyone about playing here," he said. "I never get asked by players: 'What's it like to play for the Red Sox?' That's interesting. I never get: 'How is it over there?' You've got more fans asking you that than players. That's funny how it sounds, but that's how it is."

It gets worse.

Even Ortiz has inquired about what it's like to play for the Yankees.


"I asked Alex and Johnny, 'Hey, how do you like it over there?' They say, 'Oh, man, it's awesome. It's top of the line.' You ask the next player, and they come out with the same thing. Alex has said, 'Dude, there is no better team to play for than this.' Johnny said the same thing."