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October 27, 2007
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- Because the Red Sox lost the designated hitter now that the World Series has shifted to the National League park, manager Terry Francona had to get creative with his lineup.
He had to decide whether to sit David Ortiz, Mike Lowell or Kevin Youkilis, and he chose Youkilis. Therefore, Ortiz is playing first and Lowell is at his normal third-base position.
Francona said Youkilis understood the situation.
So the Sox’ batting order changed due to Youkilis’ absence. Speedy outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is now leading off, followed by Dustin Pedroia and Ortiz.
Francona said he thought about putting Coco Crisp back into the lineup, but because he’s been struggling offensively, and Ellsbury has contributed, the manager thought it best to go in this direction.
''We’re hoping he’ll give us a guy who gets on base a bunch of times tonight, and maybe a couple of stolen bases and runs scored,'' he said. ''You don’t know until the game is over. The feeling was, though, to break up (Ellsbury) and Ortiz to not have back-to-back left-handed hitters. Since Youkilis isn’t playing, we’d like Pedroia to hit second.''
It’s not like Youkilis won’t play, because if the Red Sox do gain a decent lead, he will likely be inserted for defensive purposes. Plus that will give Ortiz a chance to take it easy on his ailing knee.
Francona has always made his dislike known for losing the DH during spring-training games and interleague play.
''I'd rather have a DH,'' he said. ''And some of that is not just because of the game, it's just because we're set up that way. We have a very special guy in David Ortiz, so some of it is personal wanting us to win. It's not just the rules of the game.''
When asked about it further, Francona quipped: ''I can't call the commissioner and tell him Youk is a good player and a good kid, and he should play. It doesn't work like that.''
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 7:11 PM | Permalink
