The natives are restless. 7 games into the season & you can't pick-up a newspaper or read a sports blog without hearing the words "Big Papi & slump." One of my commenters just said it's time for Ortiz to sit.
There is no shortage of comments, pro & con, about David Ortiz & his ability to remain in the #5 spot in the order. It is "the" hot topic of the early season for the Red Sox who, as a team, are off to a slow start. Besides the slow start at 3-4, the Otiz issue is magnified since the bench is so strong this year. Guys like Lowell & Hermidia are looking for more at bats.
My opinion about Big Papi is more of a long-term view. Given enough time, I feel players will gravitate towards their historical averages. Reacting after a small sampling of games was never my coaching style. More times than not, I found that trust in players paid off.
Having said that, I think Tito hears the clock ticking if the Red Sox do not start winning on a more consistent basis. Red Sox Nation can put up with a struggling Ortiz much, much better when the team is winning. After 2 more games in Minnesota the Sox are home for a number of games. If the Sox are still struggling after this long homestand, I could see Francona making a move then.
2 comments:
I agree with you on not judging by a small smattering of games, but we have more than that with Papi. We have all of last year, and all of Spring training. I like the guy, but he can't catch up to the fastball.
I a moment of calm like now, I fully understand and agree more than disagree with the idea of letting players hit their way to their natural average. Last season for Ortiz was a horrendous start followed by a very good finish. However when watching the game I find myself yelling at the tv for francona to put Lowell in the DH spot. In my heart of hearts, my patiense is wearing thin.
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