BOSTON (AP) – David Ortiz thinks it might be time for a road trip to Maine.

The Red Sox slugger known affectionately as “Big Papi” told a news reporter from The Times Record newspaper over the weekend on Maine Day at Fenway Park that he doesn’t know much about the Pine Tree State. But Ortiz perked up at the mention of fresh seafood.

“I love seafood,” he said Sunday. “Maybe I need to take a trip up there. How far away is it?”

Some former Sea Dogs players had recommendations for Ortiz’s road trip.

First baseman Kevin Youkilis suggested that Ortiz could wash down the seafood with a brew from Gritty McDuff’s. He also encouraged Big Papi to take in the sights and shops, as well. “There’s a lot of good food and good scenery up there,” he said.

Pitcher Jonathan Papelbon had less fond memories of Maine.

“Bring an umbrella,” said Papelbon, who played for the Sea Dogs last season. “I swear it rained every day I was there. It rained out two straight series.”

David Wells, a starting pitcher working his way off the disabled list, never played in Portland, but he didn’t want to miss out on the seafood, either. “Bring some back to for the rest of us,” he said.

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Information from: The Times Record, http://www.timesrecord.com

AP-ES-07-17-06 1825EDT