Addressing some burning questions before the ALCS

Nothing like bad blood to make a series more fun. Plus Don Zimmer!

I have to apologize for the missing mailbag last week. But we're back and better than ever (hopefully) this week. And, in an appeal to your inquisitive natures, I want to make sure that I get lots and lots of questions this week for next week's mailbag. Fill up my inbox! We should be back again next Friday as the ALCS either winds down, or finishes up before the World Series. Me? I think the Sox and Rays will still be playing at that point. My next flight isn't booked to Tampa, but my best guess has us coming back down to Florida for at least a Game 6.

With that, on to the questions. We've got Jed Lowrie and Mark Teixeira, Manny Delcarmen and his nasty changeup, Justin Masterson and Josh Beckett. And, far more importantly than all of that, we've actually got a day game on Monday in Game 3. Our editors thank the powers that be. (TV, always.)

And away we go...

First off, I have enjoyed your columns from way out here in Texas. Read your bio and, at 26, you have accomplished quite a bit in just a short period of time. A bit late but congratulations. I am 52 and will always be just a little jealous (healthy, of course) of your job! Anyway, I was listening to Buck Martinez and Mark Patrick on XM this morning and, while talking about the Red Sox, Mark Patrick stated that while Jed Lowrie has done a nice job filling in at shortstop he is not really the long term solution at SS for the Sox. I was a little surprised by that and Buck Martinez did not follow up at all to that comment. I know I am way out here in Texas and sometimes little tidbits slip by me but is there anything at all to Patrick's comment?
Mike, The Woodlands, Texas

Thanks, Mike. Though I'm pretty sure a woman is never supposed to reveal her age. So we'll pretend you didn't say that ...

I think you could call shortstop a question mark at the moment for the Sox. Lowrie has done an excellent job in place of the injured Julio Lugo for the second half of the season, especially commendable given that he hadn't played much above Triple A before this season (160 at bats in 2007, then another 198 this year). Can you say that Lowrie is assured of taking the job over next season? Not quite. He has, lately, looked a bit overwhelmed at the plate, his single to clinch the ALDS for the Red Sox notwithstanding. But a lot has also been asked of him. Lowrie has been steady in the field, contrary to his reputation in the minors, where he was considered a potentially suspect defender at shortstop (though capable at second, and perhaps third) with a good bit of ability at the plate. It's possible that he could be the solution for the Sox at a revolving-door position, but not a guarantee.

I was a bit concerned by Jason Varitek's recent comments about his being lifted for a pinch hitter. Does he really believe he shouldn't be pinch hit for in that type of a situation? 'Tek is everything you want a team captain to be but reality dictates that in playoff baseball you do what you have to do to try and get a win. Pinch hitting for a .220 hitter just makes baseball sense. What's the inside scoop? Do you think his comments will impact his future with the team?
Jeff, Knoxville, Tenn.

I can understand the concern over the comments, but I think there's one thing that's important to remember: You wouldn't be happy if Jason Varitek were happy with the situation. For a player who has had a certain ability over most of his career, it's extremely difficult to admit to himself that he is no longer of that caliber. Varitek is a fierce competitor, and I had no issue with him being upset at being pinch hit for. But just because he wasn't excited about the situation -- or at his performance this season, though he has often said that he had just one or two bad months among an otherwise acceptable offensive season -- doesn't mean that he can't necessarily see it from the perspective of his manager. And it's likely to happen again, if the situation comes up. That's why the Sox kept David Ross on the roster for the ALCS (quite a change from being designated for assignment by the Reds earlier this season, by the way). Terry Francona won't be afraid to do it again. Might it impact his future with the team? It could, though I think there will be far more important considerations when Varitek is looking for a new contract this offseason.

My question is one about Josh Beckett. Is it me or in 2008 did he just slow his pitching down to a snail's pace when runners were on base and even so w/out men on base? It seems as though he loses all his rhythm and you know the fielders can't like that one bit. Maybe he was like this in 2007 and I just didn't notice, but if not, then maybe there is more than coincidence to his subpar season. It is brutal watching he and Dice-K pitch with runners on.
Jim, Imperial, Pa.

Jim, I don't think that Beckett was all that slow this season either with or without men on base, other than in his start in Game 3 of the ALDS. In that game, he was absolutely brutal. And, yes, it was like watching a Daisuke Matsuzaka game. Jason Varitek said that part of the slowdown in the first inning in that game was because of Chone Figgins's presence on second base in the first inning, but it appeared that Beckett was out of sync the entire game. He had trouble with command, and trouble with pace, and really just trouble overall in that game. It will be extremely interesting to see how he bounces back in Game 2 against the Rays, and perhaps whether he really is healed from that oblique injury, even as he and Terry Francona both insist that he is.

Why isn't Beckett in any of the Game 4 celebration photos? I looked for him everywhere. Is there a little resentment that he didn't close out during Game 3?
Janelle, Washington, DC

Not sure. I certainly saw him celebrating, and I would be shocked if there were any resentment. Players understand that no one is perfect in every game, mostly because they have all failed at one point or another. So I can't imagine that there were any hard feelings, and you can be sure that Beckett was just as happy as anyone else on the team to move on to the ALCS.

What's with baseball players dousing themselves in champagne after winning a division series? AL/NLCS and World Series, I can understand. But division series? They haven't won anything yet.
Jeffrey, Grafton

Believe me, as someone trying to report and get opinion and quotes amid flying champagne -- which really stings when it gets in the eyes, by the way -- I'd take fewer champagne celebrations. Then again, I think there is something to be said for celebrating every time you can. There's no guarantee that the Sox, for example, will move on after getting to the ALCS, and it's very hard to even get there, so I hardly begrudge them their celebration. To get to that final four is an accomplishment, so why not celebrate? Question back to you: Do you think the Sox should have celebrated clinching the wild card?

Where did Manny Delcarmen pull that changeup out of ... thin air? I haven't seen him throw that all year then all of a sudden, last night, he throws one at 85 mph and then another at 84 mph. I think they were both to Chone Figgins and they were downright NASTY. Tailing down and away from the lefty, Figgins wasn't close on the first one and barely foul tipped the second. That pitch is gonna be a great weapon for him against the lefties in this league.
Brendan, Dallas

Manny Delcarmen is such a puzzle to me, and to the Sox, as well. He can be absolutely ridiculous (in a good way) at one moment, then ordinary and hittable at another. I agree, those were some of the best changeups that I've seen Delcarmen throw all season. Terry Francona was asked about Delcarmen in his pregame session with the beat writers before Game 4. "I thought Delcarmen was as good as I've seen in a while," Francona said. "He threw some changeups that were unhittable, coming off a 97 mile per hour fastball that he located pretty well. It was exciting. And it was part of the game where if he struggles, we're going to get somewhere we don't want to. Because of his effectiveness, he got us back into somewhere where we could manage it." If Delcarmen could maintain that level for the rest of the postseason, something he has done at time this year and especially last year, that would be huge in terms of getting the Sox back to the World Series, and toward a championship.

I know its way to early in the playoffs to be asking this, but I'm like most, intrigued with the World Series matchup possibilities, like a Red Line series in sweet home Chicago. But how great would a Sox-Dodgers match up be? Oh the storylines ... Red Sox East v. Red Sox West ... Manny ... Francona v. Torre.
Leonard, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Well, Leonard, it might not be so early anymore. That's a distinct possibility at this point. And, as someone who roots for the story and not for the team, the Sox-Dodgers matchup definitely provides the best storylines for those of us who make our living writing about baseball. (You didn't even mention Derek Lowe or Nomar Garciaparra or the McCourts.) It would be phenomenal, despite all those cross-country flights ...

I, like everyone else, have noticed the lack of power after the departure of Man Ram. Our offense needs power, our division is tough to play in without power. With that said, if Mike Lowell doesn't look too promising for next year is moving Kevin Youkilis to third and signing Mark Teixeira an option? I think we need to entertain the idea considering the lack of power options in the system. What do you think?
Derek, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa

I think an entirely right David Ortiz would certainly help with that power problem. And, yes, I understand that not having Manny Ramirez hitting behind him has had an effect on Ortiz. So, it seems, has his wrist issue. Lowell will have to have surgery this offseason to correct his hip, potentially both to repair his torn labrum and to shave down bone spurs in the hip. His health is likely to have an effect on what the Sox do in the offseason to shore up their offense, though I do think a power bat would be a huge help to this team offensively. I'm sure the Sox will have interest in Teixeira. How much? That, we'll see. I'd think the Angels are going to do all they can to re-sign him, as he has a major impact on their offense, their first-round exit notwithstanding.

Hey Amalie, you are doing a fine job with the mailbag. My question is one about tie-breakers: I remember hearing that the Rays had the tie-breaker over the Sox had they tied for the division title, because the Rays took the season series, 10-8. I'm watching the Twins-White Sox game now, and they just mentioned that their season series was also 10-8. I realize it's a moot point now, seeing as we didn't quite catch the Rays, but why wouldn't there have been a playoff game to determine the AL East? The Sox and Yankees tied in 2005, but no playoff game was held then either, so I guess this question applies for 2005 as well.
Tim, Boston

Thanks so much! I got quite a few variations on this question. There is no playoff held if both teams make the postseason. That's why, had the Sox and Rays tied for the division this season, it would have gone to the Rays because of their 10-8 record against the Sox. That's why it went to the Yankees in 2005. But, if there is a postseason berth on the line, as there was with the White Sox and Twins, the teams go to a playoff. If you think about it, it does make sense. The team that holds the head-to-head matchup does deserve to win the division over the second place team (as in the case of the Yankees and Sox). But it would be difficult to deny a team a spot in the postseason based on that criteria, which necessitates the one-game playoff.

Will Chris Carter get a shot next year or is he getting into the "too old" range? He seems to be a hitting machine, especially now that he added power. Can he be next year's Brandon Moss?
Scott, San Francisco

Carter's real problem is defense. He can certainly hit, which is the reason the Sox got him from the Nationals as the player to be named later in the Wily Mo Pena deal. But that's about where it ends. He's really a designated hitter/pinch hitter type, and the opportunities for that position are limited with the Sox. Moss, on the other hand, was a fine outfielder (though he struggled at first base when the Sox tried him out there in Triple-A this season). I don't think he will end up making a real impact with the Sox, mostly because of their personnel needs, though he could be a fit with another team that needs a DH. He just turned 26 about a month ago, by the way.

Hi Amalie -- Thanks for all your thoughtful responses in the Bag! My question is about Justin Masterson. He's been terrific in the bullpen, and I love his poise in stressful situations. But -- what's going to happen to him next year? Is he condemned to be a reliever forever now or will they give him a chance to go back to starting? Also, do you think he makes the big club next year or start off in Pawtucket? Thanks for your response!
Gracie, Brighton

Thank you, Gracie. The Sox are in a very good position regarding Justin Masterson. They have the option of using him in either the starting rotation or the bullpen, as he's shown he can be effective in both spots. I think it partially will depend on the Sox needs. They'll have Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and potentially Tim Wakefield back next year, with the possibility of Michael Bowden being ready as depth. That could leave a spot for Masterson -- or it could leave a spot for a free agent pitcher. I would think he's proven he's capable of starting the season with the major league club next year. Here's thoughts from Terry Francona on Masterson's future: "That's probably to be determined. I think we see him as a good pitcher. I think he could start. He's already proven that to some extent in the major leagues, even though it's been a small sample size. I guess it will be determined on how we feel he can impact us more. I think it's going to be interesting to see where that goes. We really don't know. He's a good pitcher, though. He'll impact us either way. But what direction it goes will be interesting, and we don't have that answer yet."

I don't have a question but rather a comment. I think you do a terrific job! I can't imagine how difficult the job can be sometimes but you pass it with flying colors on a daily basis. Keep up the good work and when I'm governor I'll remember you...How does Press Secretary sound?! lol...
Tom, Marlboro

Thanks, Tom. Tempting offer, but not tempting enough. I think I'll stick with my present position for now. Though if anyone has some sort of ice cream taster job open for me, we can certainly talk ...