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FORT MYERS, Fla. Eugenio Suarez Jersey . -- David Ortiz hopes to get a one-year contract extension "pretty soon" and Boston Red Sox owner John Henry would like to fulfil his designated hitters desire to retire as a member of the team. Whether a new deal will be completed during spring training remains uncertain. "I think its going to be OK," Ortiz said Wednesday. "Conversations are good. My bosses are more than happy to talk about what were talking about. Theyre trying to get this out of the way so it doesnt begin to be a distraction. "The contract situation thing is going to be taken care of at some point. When, I dont really know. Hopefully, pretty soon." About 90 minutes later, Henry was more restrained when asked if he expects a speedy resolution. "I dont know that it will get done, but I think its good to have the conversation at the beginning of spring training," he said. "The sooner its resolved, in one way or another, the better it is for everyone." Henry said he and other Red Sox owners would be in town by Thursday. Fernando Cuza, Ortizs agent, has been in Fort Myers this week. Ortiz, 38, is in the final year of a $26 million, two-year contract as he enters his 12th season with the Red Sox. He began last spring training with a heel injury that hobbled him early in the season. But he finished with a .309 batting average, 30 homers and 103 RBIs. In the six-game World Series victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, he batted .688 and was the MVP. "Hes meant so much to this franchise, to New England, for so long," Henry said. "He has helped carry us to three world championships, so I know where hes coming from. He wants to finish his career here and we should try to make that happen." The Red Sox could be wary of Ortiz having problems with his health or production at his age. But hes looking forward to another outstanding season. "Last year was a tough year for me and I survived through it and now I feel great," he said. "I feel way better than last year." In 11 seasons with the Red Sox, Ortiz is batting .292 with 373 homers and 1,191 RBIs. That averages out to 34 homers and 108 RBIs per season. "I think Im one of the greatest ever to wear this uniform," he said. "I dont like to talk about it, like to sound like that, but sometime you got to let em know. And I think its very disrespectful for someone out there to be saying that Im greedy, that all I want to talk about is contract. When am I going to talk about contract? When I retire?" Hes more upset with people who criticize him, citing "haters" who "talk trash" on radio -- than he is with the Red Sox. He said he doesnt bring up his desire for an extension, but responds to questions asked by reporters. And one of those questions is how long hell continue playing. "I get that question asked all the time," Ortiz said. "And I have a question for everyone. What am I doing so bad that people want me to retire? Can anybody give me an answer to that?" Ortizs desire for a one-year extension "is certainly something we should listen to and consider," Henry said. Can Ortiz imagine playing for another team? "It can happen," he said. "Hopefully not." After slumping in the AL championship series against the Detroit Tigers, Ortiz went 11 for 16 with two homers and six RBIs in the World Series. His .688 batting average and .760 on-base percentage were the second highest in Series history. "People sometimes want to make a big deal about a guy like me asking for another year extension when some others are asking for a 10-year extension," he said. "If it doesnt get done, it doesnt get done. Ive got to come in and get my job done like I normally do. "Im not going to shut it down. Thats not going to get me another contract." Brandon Phillips Jersey . Vettel only needs to finish fifth or better Sunday to wrap up the championship with three races remaining, and bettered his own lap record to claim his third straight pole at Buddh International Circuit. Ken Griffey Jr. Jersey . LOUIS -- To stay a step ahead of goaltenders, T. MILWAUKEE -- One slugger back, one slugger down for the Milwaukee Brewers. Outfielder Ryan Braun has been activated from the 15-day disabled list after being sidelined with a right oblique strain. He started Tuesday nights game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Third baseman Aramis Ramirez was placed on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring. He got hurt fielding a bouncer in Saturday nights 5-4 win over the Yankees. The battered Brewers lost another key player when outfielder Carlos Gomez left the Pirates game after the bottom of the fifth with lower back tightness. He was considered day-to-day. Braun was hitting .318 with six homers and 18 RBIs when he got hurt. Seeing Ramirez go down didnt add any extra urgency, Braun said. The Brewers had discussed possibly sending Braun to the minors for a rehab game Monday but weather and travel issues curtailed that plan. Instead, the slugger was back his customary No. 3 position in the batting order Tuesday. "I think hes going to be good. Hes a guy that when he sat in the past hes been pretty good rright off, so Im hoping thats what happens," manager Ron Roenicke said. Matt Bowman Jersey. Neither Roenicke nor Ramirez knew how long it might take for the veteran third baseman to get over his pulled hamstring, the first such injury of Ramirezs 16-year career. Milwaukee on Tuesday also optioned outfielder Caleb Gindl back to Triple-A Nashville and recalled utility man Elian Herrera, who was batting .359 in the minors. Herreras versatility should help if Gomez has to begin a suspension this week for his role in a benches-clearing scrum against the Pirates in April. Milwaukee expected to hear soon from the National League about Gomezs appeal. It has been a tough few days for Gomez. Milwaukees leadoff hitter was hit in the left forearm by a pitch Sunday against the Yankees; he was hit on the arm again Tuesday on a changeup by Pirates starter Gerrit Cole. For the Pirates, Starling Marte was out of the starting lineup again with a sore back, though manager Clint Hurdle said it was possible the outfielder might be available off the bench. ' ' '