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October 20, 2007

Lineup changes in offing?

By STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona initially sidestepped the question of whether there would be a change in the team's lineup for tonight's ALCS Game Six, with Boston facing elimination.

But later during his press conference on an optional workout day at Fenway Park yesterday afternoon, Francona seemed to indicate that slumping center fielder Coco Crisp would be replaced, with rookie Jacoby Ellsbury the logical choice to take over for Crisp.

"We don't have a lineup yet," said Francona after hemming and hawing a little bit when asked if he were going to go with his regular lineup or make a change for tonight's game, in which Curt Schilling will oppose Indians right-hander Fausto Carmona.

Later, though, was asked more directly about Crisp, who is batting a miserable .143 (3 for 21) with 6 strikeouts in the series. Crisp, who was traded to Boston by the Indians before the 2006 season, had a particularly awful three games in Cleveland, going 0 for 12 and even failing to drop down a sacrifice bunt when called upon.

"Yeah, he's really having a tough time. I agree," said Francona. "Even trying to get that bunt down you could see him trying to maybe be too fine, do too much. He's gotten himself into some things mechanically where he's not been able to make some adjustments.

"Any time the ball is moving and the hitter is moving it's tough to make adjustments. I think he understand what Mags (hitting coach Dave Magadan) is telling him. I think sometimes taking (the advice) into the game gets a little tougher than people realize," said Francona.

That critique, when Francona is so good at dancing around such issues, certainly made it seem as if Crisp will be on the bench tonight with Ellsbury to make his first postseason start.

Posted by Steven Krasner at 12:43 PM | Permalink

Comments

made previous comments now is agood time to replace Francona with Torres. Fans should reconsider loyalty to sox,if sox blow this opportunity stay away from Fenway for money
invested results poor product is too expensive
for families. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

penza | October 20, 2007 1:01 PM link

I think Terry is a good manager but sometimes he seems afraid to make changes.Coco needs to be out I like him but hes not doing the job.I think francona should have taken Many baby out when he stayed on first base on his long single.I would rather see the Red Sox lose withought Many I'm sick of his deminer.Roland

roland desrosiers | October 20, 2007 2:57 PM link

I think Terry should had replaced Coco with Ellsbury back in Game 1, if the sox do not win it bring in Joe Torre, Posada and ARod.

Sox Fan | October 20, 2007 6:16 PM link