Saturday, May 25, 2013
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he will not platoon David Ortiz, despite his recent struggles against left-handed pitching.
Makes sense, for now. Maybe Ortiz will improve on his .222 average last year. The Red Sox are hoping Ortiz can be a force in the lineup for one more year.
Ortiz, show here during his rehab stint with the Sea Dogs in 2009, may be a force. But he won't be high up the order. Ortiz will likely bat sixth in the lineup, after Ellsbury, Pedroia, Crawford, Gonzalez and Youkilis.
And what of J.D. Drew? There is a stronger argument for platooning him with Mike Cameron. Drew batted .208 against lefties last year.
Jed Lowrie crushes left-handed pitching. When does he play? And where?
For a look at the Sox lineup, and a quick glance at the Rays and Yankees (can Jeter still lead off?), see the Baseball Column.
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Kevin Thomas covers baseball and basketball for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He wisely moved to Maine in 1994 after working for the St. Petersburg Times. He is married to Nancy and they have nine children.
Follow his thoughts on the Boston Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs on Clearing the Bases
Follow his thoughts on the Boston Celtics and Maine Red Claws on Holding Court
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