Friday, April 29, 2011
NOT TOO MANY SOUTHPAWS
With John Lackey seemingly finding what Ponce Deleon could not and we got the “National Treasure” Diasuke Matzusaka (now injured?) and not his alter ego “Shame of the State”, the Red Sox have the ability to continue to roll over the competition. Hopefully, the Olde Towne Team can overcome their second slow start in back-to-back seasons.
At a minimum, the Sox should evaluate if their Spring Training process is a factor in getting out of the gate slowly. But that is a question for Theo, Tito and their minions over the winter. The latest concern is the lineup being too left-handed making it vulnerable to southpaw starters.
The Red Sox bench has been assembled to mitigate the issue some hitters have against left-handed pitchers. Mike Cameron and Darnell McDonald are options for two out of the three outfield spots when a southpaw is on the mound. Marco Scutaro starting at shortstop can have a domino effect by giving another infielder a half a day off at DH thereby sitting David Ortiz versus lefties. As the roster currently stands, the Red Sox could have a starting nine with only two left-handed batters, but Terry Francona has to be willing to put the plan into action.
With John Lackey seemingly finding what Ponce Deleon could not and we got the “National Treasure” Diasuke Matzusaka (now injured?) and not his alter ego “Shame of the State”, the Red Sox have the ability to continue to roll over the competition. Hopefully, the Olde Towne Team can overcome their second slow start in back-to-back seasons.
At a minimum, the Sox should evaluate if their Spring Training process is a factor in getting out of the gate slowly. But that is a question for Theo, Tito and their minions over the winter. The latest concern is the lineup being too left-handed making it vulnerable to southpaw starters.
The Red Sox bench has been assembled to mitigate the issue some hitters have against left-handed pitchers. Mike Cameron and Darnell McDonald are options for two out of the three outfield spots when a southpaw is on the mound. Marco Scutaro starting at shortstop can have a domino effect by giving another infielder a half a day off at DH thereby sitting David Ortiz versus lefties. As the roster currently stands, the Red Sox could have a starting nine with only two left-handed batters, but Terry Francona has to be willing to put the plan into action.
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Thank you - Red Sox!
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