Ortiz makes early appearance at spring training

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WHDH) -- Red Sox position players are due to report for spring training Wednesday before the first full-squad workout coming up on Friday -- but David Ortiz made an early appearance.

All eyes were on Ortiz's right Achilles tendon Tuesday, which is still not 100 percent.

At JetBlue Park, Papi sounded off on former manager Bobby Valentine, saying his teammates weren't comfortable under the former skipper.

Ortiz says he is on board with new manager, John Farrell, and that he was just as frustrated as the fans were during the team's worst season since 1965.

Now, the slate is clean and Ortiz sounds excited about his right Achilles tendon being ready for Opening Day.

"A couple of weeks ago, I started doing drills and stuff and doing good, not 100 percent yet but I was pain-free doing it, which is a good sign," Ortiz said. “In the beginning, I was a little concerned and later on I was going after it pretty normal. I didn't have any setback or anything, and I was surprised myself."

Ortiz missed the final five weeks of last season due his Achilles injury. He did not have surgery this off-season. Instead, he rehabbed the injury in the Dominican Republic and says he's now pain free.