Reebok Adds Leather Loafer For Red Sox DH David Ortiz

Reebok Creates Special Loafers For Red Sox’ Ortiz

Reebok, which last month unveiled a cleat for Red Sox DH David Ortiz, “has created a second shoe” for Ortiz, but the Big Papi Soquas “aren’t for sale,” according to gossip columnists Beggy & Shanahan of the BOSTON GLOBE. Reebok sent Ortiz 55 pairs of the leather loafers “bearing [his] smiling face over the toes” during Spring Training, and sources said that Reebok “just ordered up another 60 pairs” for him. Reebok VP/Sports Marketing Todd Krinsky said, “We’re considering having a limited number of pairs available [for consumers] in the near future” (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/24).

WHAT THE SOX WEAR: In N.Y., David Picker reports Red Sox P Daisuke Matsuzaka has been wearing five-toed socks, which are popular in Japan, during games and distributing them to teammates. The socks are shipped to him from Japan by his sponsor, Nike, while P Hideki Okajima’s socks are supplied by sponsor Rawlings. A Nike spokesperson said that Matsuzaka had “requested at least a few dozen pairs of socks in various sizes this season, presumably to accommodate his interested teammates.” MLB VP/Business PR Susan Goodenow said that MLBers can “veer from the official socks, made by Twin City Knitting, and wear a different version as long as the color of the socks conforms to what the team wears and the socks have no visible logos that would contrast with the official sponsor.” Picker notes Yankees LF Hideki Matsui also wears five-toed socks from his sponsor, Mizuno (N.Y. TIMES, 5/24).

DRINK UP: SI’s Lisa Altobelli reports there have already been 264,000 preorders for the wines of Red Sox Ps Tim Wakefield and Curt Schilling and LF Manny Ramirez that will go on sale via Massachusetts-based Charity Wines beginning in June. Each player’s wine will benefit the charity of his choice. Wakefield’s wine is called Caberknuckle; Schilling’s is Schardonnay; and Ramirez’ is Manny Being Merlot (SI, 5/28 issue).