Quote:
Originally Posted by towerofpower
I really feel like this is a move made with the media implications in mind. As in, the Sox didn't want to deal with the fallout of the headlines reading "Ortiz Benched" seeing as many more people know who Ortiz is over Youk (reference this years All Star vote for proof of that).
I think this is a really bad move by Tito and I hope it doesn't come back to haunt him. Hopefully there isn't any close plays at first that Ortiz boches leading to unearned runs...and of course his bum knee...man if he commits an error (or two) and then goes 0 for 3... 
Hopefullly Youk gets the nod for game 4. |
You gotta be kidding me!!!! The impact of Ortiz' absence from the #3 spot in the batting order would be tremendous. Ramirez would not see a decent pitch the entire game, the entire batting order would have to be shuffled. With Youky out of the lineup you just insert Ellsbury in the #2 spot and slide Lugo up one spot and you are good to go. Youky will be inserted into the lineup by the 7th or 8th inning of any game the Red Sox lead and can be used to pinch hit in a strategic spot. Ortiz is not a bad fielder, sure he isnt on a par with Youk but the impact of Ortiz absence from the lineup would be devastating.