David Ortiz at First, Adrian Gonzalez in Right Field Is the Right Move for Red Sox Against Phillies
The debate is over.
But is this the right move for the Red Sox? After Tuesday's 5-0 loss at the hands of another masterful complete-game performance from Cliff Lee, in which Boston managed just two hits, Red Sox manager Terry Francona has had enough of his designated hitter sitting on the bench.
The Sox send John Lackey to the mound for the middle game of the three-game set against MLB's best team to try to salvage a series that has been dubbed a World Series preview.
Let's dig into this week's mailbag.
What are your thoughts on Andrew Miller and will he stay in the rotation?
–Ace, Westfield, Mass.
I am very impressed so far. I know it is two starts, but he has been really good. I think he will only get better the more he works and the more he gets comfortable in the big leagues. I think Terry Francona and the coaching staff are reluctant to keep a six-man rotation, and they may feel that with off days some starters would be sitting too long and that it would not be beneficial. I am not sure who you move out of the rotation, but if he continues to pitch the way he has he deserves to stay in.
Will the Red Sox stick with Mike Cameron coming off the bench all season?
–Tina, NYC
I think they will. It would very hard to move someone with Mike's salary structure at the moment. He has had a hard time with this part-time playing thing, and I think it really has affected his offensive numbers and timing at the plate. He is used to playing every day, but now, for the first time in his career, he is not. I think he has also been matched up against some very tough lefties when he has played. The Red Sox certainly need to improve their right-handed hitting lineups versus lefties as we saw again over the weekend in Pittsburgh.
What did you think of PNC Park?
–Chloe, Atlanta
I really like that park a lot. The only issue we have is that the booth is very high and, from that height, everything looks like a line drive. That said, the setting is really impressive with the river and the city behind it. It really does rival AT&T Park for setting. The people were very nice and clearly are excited by this year's edition of the Pirates. When we left on Sunday, it was the latest they have been over .500 since 1999, so there is some excitement in Pittsburgh and that starts with their park.
Should interleague go by the wayside?
–Larry, Nashville, Tenn.
I am still a fan of interleague play. I like going to the National League ballparks and seeing stars play from the other league. The issues remain a problem, however. The unbalanced schedule is a big deal. You may play a stronger opponent than your division rival as the Sox are with the Phillies. I think maybe there are too many games. Maybe you make it a few series shorter and do away with the natural rival thing. I know New York and Chicago work, but most do not and it makes the schedules unfair.
Will David Ortiz play at first base in interleague play and is it the right move for the Sox?
Robbie G., Arizona
It sounds like he will and that Adrian Gonzalez will be in right field on Wednesday night against the Phillies. I think this the right move. David was hitting so well, and to now be relegated to pinch-hitting appearances for an 11-day period (nine games) could really mess him up and set him back. So putting him at first makes sense and it will hopefully help the Sox' offense get going. I don’t think moving Adrian Gonzalez to right is that dangerous for the Red Sox, but is the defense going to suffer? Perhaps. However, the Sox need offense right now and do not need Ortiz going into a funk after the long lay off.
