Big Papi or Big Copy?

Just another chapter to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry - Before finishing the 2009 season strong with 28 home runs and 99 runs batted in, Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz began the season on a sluggish note. And similar to his slow start last season, Big Papi has already shown struggles early on to start his 2010 campaign. Through his first 11-games, Ortiz has a whopping 6-hits in 41-at bats and owns a batting average of .146. But if things on-the-field aren't frustrating enough for the 5-time All-Star, maybe those off-the-field are. Adding fuel to the fire of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, is New York's very own businessman and hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, who is suing Ortiz for opening a nightclub in his native country of the Dominican Republic and naming it "Forty-Forty." A name that Jay-Z thinks is a bit too close to his sports lounges which carry the name "The 40/40 Club."

Since first opening its doors in New York City in 2003, Jay-Z has been co-owner of "The 40/40 Club" and has since then migrated the brand to other locations such as Atlantic City, Chicago and Las Vegas. Jay-Z and company also plan to expand their upscale sports venues overseas in both Tokyo and Macau. However, Ortiz' native homeland of Santo Domingo was never part of the plans. Nor is he on the V.I.P list considering he plays for the Boston Red Sox who just so happen to be arch rivals of Hova's beloved Yankees... At least not anymore anyways. When being asked where he came up with the name of his club, Jay-Z said "The 40/40 club in baseball is as executive as it gets." Of coarse referring to the rare club of those who hit 40-home runs and steal 40-stolen bases in a single season. A rare feat only four players in Major League history have accomplished -- Jose Canseco (1988), Barry Bonds (1996), Alex Rodriguez (1998) and Alfonzo Soriano (2006).

The achievement is something Ortiz would know nothing about, given he's one of the slowest guys on the playing field and only has 10 stolen bases throughout his entire 13-year career. My guess is when first coming up with the name, Big Papi was referring to 40-home runs and 40-hot dogs. Or perhaps 40-cervezas? Either way, Ortiz is in a world of trouble both on the baseball diamond and soon enough in the courtroom. What I'd really like to know is, whether or not Jay would have decided to take Derek Jeter or A-Rod to court if they did the same thing. Now that I highly doubt...