Red Sox warrior-poet David Ortiz is in the midst of one of the greatest final seasons in MLB history. You'll recall that Big Papi announced his pending retirement prior to the start of the 2016 season. That, of course, has meant that Ortiz has been feted and honored at his final stops around the league. That, as it turns out, is a bit of a hassle, at least to hear the man himself tell it. Here's what he said to ESPN's Marly Rivera about this very matter:

"I'm too busy. I have too many things to do. I barely have time to do anything. It's very difficult for me. If I had even imagined that it would be so difficult, I wouldn't have announced anything. There are too many people I have to pay attention to, and on top of that I have to prepare for a game."

Such are the hazards of sports glory. In any event, Ortiz entered Monday night with a 2016 batting line of .342/.423/.710 with 48 extra-base hits in 62 games. If his preparation's being compromised, then it's hard to find evidence of it in his numbers.

So anyway ... second thoughts? Let Mr. Ortiz communicate his thoughts via the timeless medium of the well-placed insult ...

Viva la Papi.