Choosing his starter for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Angels was the easy part. Francona has handed the ball to Jon Lester, bypassing Josh Beckett in favor of the lefty. Such a choice may be an embarrassment of riches, but Francona faced a far more difficult decision in deciding to leave veteran and Red Sox elder statesmen Tim Wakefield off the ALDS roster.
Francona is known around the majors as a player's manager and has been especially careful in his handling of Wakefield this season. The knuckleballer, who has been with Boston since 1995 and has played in eight postseasons with the Red Sox, was voted to his first All-Star team in July before spending time on the disabled list with back trouble that's had him limping in recent weeks.
"It's been very difficult for him physically,” Francona told Boston.com. “But we didn't want to just shut him down either, because he could still play a role."
Wakefield, for his part, took the news well and with the professionalism that fans and teammates have come to expect from him. When told of his manager's decision and his hope that Wakefield will be able to contribute in a meaningful way if the Red Sox make it to the American League Championship Series, the knuckleballer responded, "Great. I'll be ready."
Francona's decision to keep Wakefield off the ALDS roster speaks to the necessity of preparing for future rounds, should it become necessary. Over the past few days, Francona has been tasked with resting his starters and making sure his players maintain focus for the upcoming playoffs. It's a difficult balancing act. However, Francona has experience. This postseason marks his fifth as manager of the Red Sox — and that knowledge should help the Nation rest easy.
