September Rivalry: Day One
If it were my decision, I’d want three things in place tonight for the start of the critical three-game series between the Red Sox and Yankees. First, Terry Francona has to be ready to take Daisuke Matsuzaka out of the game if he falls apart, and replace him with Clay Buchholz. Second, Jacoby Ellsbury should start the game, playing left field, to have his defense behind Matsuzaka. Third, with Ellsbury starting in left, Manny Ramirez should be ready to come off the bench to pinch hit should we need it. Generally speaking, I’d be surprised if any of these things come to pass.
Addendum: I’ve already been denied two out of the three. Manny might not play again until next week, and in left field they’ve for some reason started Bobby Kielty, hitting .215 (.296 in his last ten games) to the .373 (.385 in his last ten games) of Ellsbury.