The Sox are 5 games under .500 since the All-Star break while the Yankees are surging. The Rays & Rangers are playing well enough to keep their Wild Card hopes alive & remain a definite threat. 40 something games left in the season. What to do?
Terry Francona has a number of options with the additions of Victor Martinez, Casey Kotchman & Alex Gonzalez. Tito is a players' manager who sticks with guys to a fault. I think it's time for a change in philosophy if we are to make the playoffs this year. Here's my Monday morning quarterback thoughts.
1) Start Mike Lowell. Bench Jason Varitek. That's an offensive upgrade. Late in the game, bring Varitek in to catch & move Victor to first if we are ahead.
2) Bring Josh Reddick back from Triple-A. Send Brian Anderson down. Anderson looked sick in the outfield with a ball over his head this weekend. Reddick can play all 3 outfield positions & is a better hitter.
3) Find another starter from Triple-A or Double-A. Tazawa is a John Smoltz look-alike who gives up too many hits. I'm sure he will be a good pitcher in the future, just not now. We need #4 & #5 starters who can give 3 or 4 quality starts until Wakefield & Dice-K are ready.
4) Extend Beckett, Lester & Papelbon as needed. Let's get off the pitch count thing for the last 7 weeks. Otherwise, the Red Sox will be sitting in October watching the playoffs on TV.
Let's see if Tito takes my advice.
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