Keeping Alfredo Aceves in Bullpen Rather Than Rotation in September Was Somewhat Confusing Decision

The picture of the week comes from the booth at Fenway Park, where we were joined by Drew Bledsoe.

Jacoby Ellsbury has become a viable candidate for the MVP. Did you see this coming?
–Dwight, Auburn, Mass.

Nope, I did not. I really thought he would bounce back this season on a mission to prove some doubters wrong based on his his performance last year. He played just 18 games last season and many questioned his toughness. He has answered a lot of critics and has gone from being a very good leadoff man who can steal 70 bases to a middle-of-the-order-type power hitter over night.

This transformation has been amazing to watch. The old theory for coaches when discussing Jacoby Ellsbury was that they never wanted him swinging for the fences with his speed. That's out the window and now not discussed. Moving forward, he is going to really cash in, and the fact that Scott Boras is his representative has added to the cost and expectations. With the exception of his throwing arm, he really does it all now.

Why did the Red Sox not use Alfredo Aceves in the rotation down the stretch?
–Chandra, Braintree, Mass.

I am with you on this. I really think he should have been inserted back into the rotation. If you look back at this September, it is the starting pitching that has been the biggest Achilles' heel for the Red Sox. They are down early in virtually all of these losses, and when you lose games that Jon Lester and Josh Beckett are starting, you are really in trouble.

I can only explain what their thinking was and is on Aceves. They felt that having him pitch three out of five days out of the pen is more valuable than once every five days. I get that, but having him come in when the Sox are already down by a lot makes no sense. They need the best available pitchers to start.

If the Red Sox do get to the postseason can they flip the switch and play well?
–Anthony, Franklin Township, N.J.

Yes. I think it is the fresh start they need. If they can win the wild card, they can take a deep breath, forget September and focus with a completely clean slate. The only thing that concerns me is that a lot of the reasons they faltered in September remain in play: injuries and bad starting pitching. Yet there have been plenty of examples of teams who backed in or played very poorly down the stretch that succeeded greatly in October. You forget the regular season and play for today. They are within sight of the playoffs right now and have been for about week as this lead has dwindled.

You seemed surprised in Game 2 Sunday night with how Joe Girardi managed the game. Why?
–Elliot, Biddeford, Maine

I was, but they — and he — have earned that right. They won the division and can rest guys where and when they want. I think you are referring to extra innings, when he had several situations where he could have gone with his bench to pinch hit. He had Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Andruw Jones on the bench, but chose to stick with Austin Romine and others. If I were Joe Maddon sitting in St. Pete watching, I would have been losing my mind. The Sox and Rays do not have the ability to rest guys or set up pitching for the possibility of October play. The Yankees do and they have exercised that right.

TBS has announced you are doing the postseason again. Do you like working with Buck Martinez?
–Daisy, Walpole, Mass.

I do. We have worked the last two postseasons together and he is very knowledgeable, having served in so many capacities in the game. He is extremely good and works very hard at his craft. Looking forward to working with him once again.