Night Two at Fenway

2008 Alex Record: 1-1 (04/08 W5-0, 04/09 L7-2)

A few thoughts on my second visit to Fenway in as many days:

Mike Timlin is scheduled to come off of the disabled list either today or Friday and if last night’s performances were any indication of who might be sent down to replace him it would seem the field has been narrowed to two--Bryan Corey and Javier Lopez. Corey looked ineffective last night and was only able to record one out while surrendering two runs. Lopez didn’t fair much better in recording two outs and surrendering a ninth inning solo homerun. David Aardsma on the other hand looked quite affective as he submitted 1-2/3 innings of scoreless relief after replacing Lester with one out in the sixth. Aardsma in my opinion deserves to stay on the 25 man roster and if I was Theo Epstein I would probably option Lopez. I realize having Lopez’s presence as a lefty is important but I believe Corey can pitch in more types of situations and for longer outings if need be.

Sean Casey’s worth to the team became quite apparent last night as the wily veteran was able to come right off the bench after Mike Lowell’s hand injury and record two hits for the Sox. Casey clearly struggled a bit in his first appearance in Toronto but for the duration of a 162 game season it is this scribe’s opinion that he will continue to make crucial contributions throughout the season.


Similarly, Kevin Youkilis continued to show why his $4 million contract is one of the best bargains in baseball as he deftly switched corner infield positions without missing a beat both in the field and at the plate. Well he did switch gloves so maybe he missed a half a beat but who is keeping track?

There has been much talk of the effect of the Red Sox early travel on their performance and to me it is having the greatest impact on David Ortiz. Ortiz as a designated hitter requires more than any other player a routine and this on-again-off again start to the season has not helped him in any way. Ortiz gets four or five chances to contribute in a game as a DH and if he struggles at the plate he can’t make up for it in the field. The next couple of weeks for the Red Sox are jam-packed with games and my bet is that his sub .100 batting average will be at least .250 by May 1.