About the only thing that might be able to slow down the Boston Red Sox at this point is something the Cleveland Indians weren't able to force in any of the final 3 games of the ALCS- a lineup change.Game 3 tonight will be played in Colorado. That means no DH. And that means no Kevin Youkilis for Boston, as David Ortiz will get the start at first base. It seems like a no-brainer of a move, but is it? Well, take a look at this.
During the Sox current 5-game winning streak, Kevin Youkilis has hit .476 with 9 runs scored, 7 RBI, and an OBP of .577. David Ortiz? .263, 5, 4, and .364. And during the entire '07 postseason, Youkilis has more hits, extra base hits, homeruns, runs, RBI, and a slightly higher batting average than Big Papi (although his numbers are fantastic as well).
I admit, I'd probably do the same thing right now if I was Terry Francona, but it will be interesting to see how Boston's offense changes (if at all) without one of their key table-setters. After all, the Rockies are used to playing with 8 hitters and a pitcher and at this point, need all the help they can get.
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One of the guys at work suggested that Francona say "To hell with outfield defense" and play Youk in right and Drew in center. The lineup would be nasty, and it would be fun to watch Manny, Drew and Youk try to cover the biggest OF in the majors.
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