Lucchino hopes Ortiz extension becomes reality

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino confirmed Friday that the club at least opened dialogue with David Ortiz and agent Fern Cuza regarding a one-year contract extension with the beloved slugger.

"Obviously, we're not going to talk about the negotiations in any public way, but we did have a chance to see David yesterday and have a conversation with him," said Lucchino. "Other than that, we're going to give it the priority it deserves."

And it should come as no surprise that ownership fully supports the idea of making sure Ortiz extends his career with the Red Sox beyond 2014.

"We want it to happen," Lucchino said. "We want him to be a guy who essentially came in with us, even though it was 2003, our second year, and stayed with us for the rest of his career. I know it's a great thing for us. I think it's a great thing for David and it will be a great thing for baseball and Red Sox fans. He feels connected. He feels committed. He's certainly one of the most important faces in baseball, so we're eager to resolve something, if it can be done."