Francona: We just don't know yet
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Terry Francona could not provide a definitive answer as to whether Mike Lowell will play tomorrow night, largely because the team workout was not complete when he addressed the media. Francona will meet at the team hotel tonight with his staff and general manager Theo Epstein to determine the roster, and then Francona will meet with players.
Lowell took what appeared to be a full session of batting practice, and the outcome was encouraging. (But then, swinging has not been the issue for Lowell.)
“Thought Mikey Lowell looked pretty good,” Francona said. “He’s not done doing everything he needs to do, but I thought it was very encouraging the way he moved around. The movement he did do didn’t grab at him. That was very encouraging.”
Lowell had said earlier today he might be able to play as a designated hitter, but that will not happen, Francona said.
“No,” he said. “David is our DH. The way that the Angels play the game, we have to put our best team on the field. We want David DHing.”
Francona admitted he was concerned about Lowell’s health in the field, partly because of the way the Angels freely utilize bunting and running. Lowell’s hip condition originally worsened when he fielded a bunt in Tampa Bay and made a running throw.
Josh Beckett, trying to come back from a right oblique strain to pitch Game 3, threw lightly today on the side. He made 30 throws from 60 feet, moved back to 90 feet and made 20 throws, then moved back to 60. Tomorrow, Francona said, he will play long toss.
“The ball came out of his hands real well,” Francona said. “Everything was very encouraging. Everything was real positive.”
Francona said the Red Sox have a contingency plan should Beckett not be able to start Game 3, but, “I think we think he can pitch,” Francona said. He did not divulge the contingency plan despite Tony Mazz’s best efforts. “Some of that may be determined by how we get there,” Francona did allow.
What about the Papi at first, Youk at third, Lowell at DH lineup? Doesn't that get all the regulars in the lineup with a respectable infield? Or is he saying that the Papi at first, Youk at third scenario isn't strong enough defensively?
franconna cost the Sox first place _and the fans Manny Ramirez> Franconna doesnt have it > LA will sweep Sox
put out the best defe4nsive team and rely on pitching as the playoffs are about grerat pitching defense and TIMELY hitting!!!!
Jay, you must be trying to provoke angry responses or something, because what you wrote is just ignorant. Francona and the Sox have consistently played the "Sox Way" like it or not. And, in every season Francona has been a manager, they've won over 90 games except for 05 plus two World Series. As for Manny, I loved watching him play but he's been loafing it more and more, and he's making $20 million. No respect for anyone. He should've been a man and either left if he was unhappy or put up and shut up.
See that's my only problem with the DH rule. I like the rule and all, but when your best batting lineup has your usual DH in the field, you should be able to do that. Not being able to fill in at first to help your team when it counts really isn't a baseball player--no disrespect to Papi, more to the teams that don't emphasize/express this.
@ndsmith: Papi anywhere in the field is a downgrade defensively. Hell, rather I play first than Papi ;-))) If Lowell doesn't play it's almost certain he'll at least pinch hit later in the game if it's close.
@Jay: the pitchers and hitters cost the Sox first place, not Francona. I really liked watching Manny when his heart was in it, but the way he was acting before he was traded I have to think that he's good gone. And don't forget we got good low-maintenance value in return. no sweep!
The impression I get, he's exactly saying that with Papi at first he wouldn't be putting the best team he has defensively speaking. It's questionable though, if it wouldn't be worth it getting Lowell's bat in exchange for Ortiz at 1st. It all deppends on Lowell's health, if he really is in no condition to play I don't think they should force the issue, it will probably backfire in the end.
The Halos look like the rockies to me. They are in for a big s*@tburger when lester starts throwing lasers in on their hands then freezes their backs and catches them window shopping with a four seamer low and away. He has made one himself one of the top starters in the league since that start in april on short rest and they have no experience dealing with Lester's dominate stuff. Their 100 win season reputation will be too much for them to live up to when an American league east power house lays all their cards down for a short series. I have to say they were foolish to pick they elongated series format. They are allowing the sox the run with a smaller bullpen which allows them to compete with Anaheim's deeper bullpen and they gave the sox an opportunity to give Beckett extra rest. Lets go Sawx !!!!!!!!
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