Projo Sox Blog

BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Terry Francona seemed to resist pinch-hitting for Jason Varitek most of the season even though the veteran catcher struggled through his worst offensive season. That will not be the case in the playoffs, however. Once the Sox decided to keep three catchers on the roster, that gave Francona the flexibility to be more creative with Varitek late in games.

"It just depends on the situation. I guess I'll always try to do what I think is right for our ballclub," he said. "Sometimes during the year I think the long-term is more important than people understand. You get to the postseason, and, again, Thanksgiving's around the corner and we need to win games. So I guess it all boils down to you try to do what's right.''

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