Cleveland Indians (54-54) @ Red Sox (68-41)
SP - Erik Bedard (4-7, 3.45) vs. Justin Masterson (8-7, 2.56)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Carl Crawford, LF
7. Josh Reddick, RF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
Three Strikes:
1. Erik Bedard makes his first start for the Red Sox and with the playoffs just over two months away, it will bear watching if it is Bedard or John Lackey who will earn the third starter spot in the ALDS (assuming, you know, that Clay Buchholz' stress fracture keps him out of action in October).
2. Bedard's opponent tonight will be former Sox pitcher Justin Masterson. Masterson was an excellent young relief pitcher before being dealt to Cleveland as part of a package for Victor Martinez in 2009.
Considering that the Red Sox did not win a playoff game in Martinez' year and a half in Boston, it is fair to question the deal that cost them a valuable pitcher in Masterson - who would be a great fit as the third starter behind Josh Beckett and Jon Lester right now - as well as promising left handed pitching prospect Nick Hagadone.
3. David Ortiz has had a very good season following two subpar (by his standards) years. However, he has been slumping lately, posting a ..240 BA, .731 OPS, 2 HR, and 19 RBI over his last 19 games (87 plate appearances).
The Red Sox will need the Ortiz they saw from April through June if they hope to win the World Series.
No comments:
Post a Comment