David Ortiz, rear, hugs Sox bench coach Brad Mills yesterday.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

FORT MYERS, Fla. — It’s been more than three months since David Ortiz underwent surgery on his torn right meniscus, and the Sox’ slugger already feels improvement.

“There’s a little way to go with the knee,” said Ortiz. “But it’s definitely feeling way better. I don’t have that click and the pain. That’s the most important thing … I have a little bit of swelling, but that’s normal. I know I’m not going to have to go through the pain I went through (last year); I feel like I’m 25 now.”

Ortiz said the knee issues affected him at the plate.

“To hit,” said Ortiz, “you need a base. There were times, putting pressure on it spinning, or trying to get to a pitch — it was hurting.”

The knee probably contributed to his power dipping. He hit 54 homers in 2006, but fell to 35 last year. But Ortiz still enjoyed a strong year, knocking in 117 runs and slugging .621.

“He had a very good year, a phenomenal year,” said manager Terry Francona. “I think (the knee) hindered him more than people outside the clubhouse (knew).”

“Sometimes people focus on homers,” he said. “Home runs are great. They’re what people want to see. But there are different ways to help the club. I like hitting home runs — I’m not going to lie to you. But I’m a team player.”

Ortiz, 32, understands that as he gets older, he has to pay special attention to his conditioning.

“The older you get, you’ve got to put in extra work,” said Ortiz, who reported to camp at 268 pounds, the same weight as last year.

Ortiz said he hoped the Sox would exercise the options it holds on teammate Manny Ramirez for 2009 and 2010.

“At some point,” he said, “this team is going to have to do something about it. There’s no hitter like Manny out there. He’s the kind of guy you definitely want to have on your team because of all the success he’s had. Manny might be one of the only players in the past 100 years who has done what his team expected (him to do).”

Around the bases

Ramirez checked into camp in mid-afternoon yesterday, reporting to a nearly empty complex. Utilityman Alex Cora also arrived yesterday, leaving Bobby Kielty as the only player out of camp. Kielty’s wife is expecting and may have induced labor in the next day or so, with Kielty expected to report over the weekend. … Position players are scheduled to take physicals this morning, then go through conditioning tests on the field. Tomorrow will be a shorter workday as the organization takes part in an afternoon golf tournament for charity. … There was no news on a contract extension for Francona, but his players have begun backing their manager. “Tito should have signed an extension, like, 20 years ago,” said Ortiz. “He’s the best.”… Backup first baseman Sean Casey arrived, and he and Francona recalled a meeting in 1999 when both were working at Cal Ripken Jr.’s fantasy camp. Francona was impressed with Casey’s approach and respect for the game and predicted that one day Casey would play for him. Now, he does.

smcadam@projo.com