And sometimes on a line-up card.
Last night’s start by Josh Beckett featuring Victor Martinez behind the plate should set every one’s expectations for the October line-up: no Jason Varitek. His second-half numbers should be enough to convince even the most loyal manager (aka Tito) that Tek is a back-up catcher for mop-up duty only. His AVG/OBP/SLG numbers are atrocious since the break: 156/252/238. A lower slugging number than on-base percentage…I didn’t think that was mathematically possible. Why would anybody walk him??? Taking Martinez, Ortiz or Lowell out of the line-up and inserting that near-automatic out would be criminal. Playoffs are certainly not the time for nostalgia or putting a guy in the line-up because he wears a “C” on his chest.
Here’s your starting line-up for tonight:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Victor Martinez, C
4. Jason Bay, LF
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Mike Lowell, 3B
7. Casey Kotchman, 1B
8. Josh Reddick, RF
9. Alex Gonzalez, SS
Clay Buchholz (6-3, 3.49 ERA), SP
No Jason Varitek. Time to get all the pitchers comfy and cozy throwing to Martinez. At least if the Sox want to win in October.
