Ortiz thinks Red Sox should add Encarnacion's 'thunder'

David Ortiz may be retired, but that doesn't mean Big Papi still isn't looking out for his buddies playing in the big leagues.

On Friday, Ortiz discussed what elements the Boston Red Sox need to seek out at the upcoming winter meetings to help improve the club for the 2017 season and he revisited the idea of the team signing his good friend and free agent, Edwin Encarnacion.

Ortiz said the Red Sox need to add some "thunder" to their lineup at designated hitter and continued to endorse Encarnacion for the role, reports The Boston Globe's Pete Abraham.

Ortiz entered some hot water during the final campaign of his storied career in July when he mentioned Encarnacion - who tied Ortiz for the AL lead in RBIs last season - would be his perfect successor at DH.

"The Red Sox know also they need to bring a force in the middle of the lineup (after I retire),'' the then-40-year-old told reporters at July's All-Star game in San Diego. "And sorry, Blue Jays, but who better than Encarnacion to do that?''

Ortiz's comments led to tampering allegations and a warning from MLB about making those types of comments in the future.

Along with his comments about Encarnacion, Ortiz also said he doesn't plan to play in the World Baseball Classic, nor has he considered any kind of television work. He just wants a life with no schedule, according to Abraham.

And when the idea of a returning on a one-year deal for a huge pay day arose, Ortiz was quick to explain he wasn't interested.

"I'm done," he said.