On Monday, we told you about some of the complaints managers have had about interleague play, particularly Terry Francona. David Ortiz has been one of the Red Sox’s best hitters this season, but he is as pure of a designated hitter as they come. Without Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez both in the lineup, Francona has no choice but to give up a good amount of offense. In the event that the Red Sox reach the World Series, Boston will have to find a way to get both players in the lineup on the road. Experiment A will take place on Wednesday night.
According to Peter Abraham on Twitter, Ortiz will play first base Wednesday night in Philadelphia and Gonzalez will try his luck in right field. If the Phillies are smart they will try to hit the ball to the right side all night. With Boston’s defensive setup looking less than stellar, Dustin Pedroia is dreading the added responsibility he will have in the field
“It will be good for us offensively,” Pedroia joked. “But damn, I’m going to have to play second, first, and right.”
Sox fans had better hope the jockey got his rest last night, because he’ll probably have to cover some ground. Ortiz isn’t terrible at first, but it’s going to be up to Pedroia to get to any blooper that’s hit between right field and behind first base. Should be interesting.
