AL's heaviest hitters turning in May dudfest

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2006 | by Devin Clancy

BALTIMORE -- Last September, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz were a close 1-2 around the water cooler and on the official ballots for the American League MVP award.

Six weeks into this season, both are struggling to match the lofty standards they set last season.

Ortiz, who got off to a strong April start, is hitting .250 with two home runs and 12 RBI in May entering today. He's played in every game this year but has battled the flu for most of May.

"I finally started feeling a lot better," Ortiz said Tuesday before going 2-for-5 with one RBI against the Baltimore Orioles. "My body's not feeling sore anymore, and all that congestion is finally going away. I generate a lot of power from my body....