So do you think they'll sit Papi for the philly series entirely?

[thirdman]

I get a feeling that Tito won't play him in 1B, no more than a game or something. It kind of sucks that he'd have to take a break when he's just started hitting well (somewhat).

[YouFail2009]

maybe start him vs Blanton? Otherwise I think theyd be crazy to start him at 1st

[TITAN126]

He'll sit the entire series. The only way he can play is if either Youkilis or Lowell sit, and I'd rather have either of them in the line-up. Maybe he'll get a pinch hit opportunity or two, but that's it.

[sprocketboy]

I am sure the Phillies know all about the three home runs Ortiz has hit in the last five games. At the very least, Ortiz on the bench should be able to serve as a weapon of psychological warfare.

Suppose the Phils are leading by a run in the top of the seventh. The idea that a 'recovered' Ortiz could replace the man on deck at any moment has to affect the way the pitcher approaches the man at the plate. Walk the current batter, and you're leaving yourself open to a two-run blast by Ortiz, and a possible blown save.

[SamBam39]

Maybe if the Sox take the first two Tito throws Ortiz a bone and lets him play game 3. Maybe

[ceb364]

I expect him to see him pinch hit for the pitcher in all 3 games. Some late inning heroics on Sunday would be nice.

[SamBam39]

I'm sure they will find a way to get him into some if not all of the games.

[3 Point Stan]

I expect him to see him pinch hit for the pitcher in all 3 games.
This is the scenerio I am expecting. I wouldn't be stunned to see him in the lineup against Blanton but I don't expect it. I doubt they'll start him against 2 lefties this weekend.

[JBay44]

I'm a little concerned that Papi may start griping about playing time during the interleague stretch.

[Mikiemo83]

I'm a little concerned that Papi may start griping about playing time during the interleague stretch.I hope he doesn't bitch...he has been given a long, long leash this season...he should be happy Tito is a players coach

[8LayersOfCrap]

I'm a little concerned that Papi may start griping about playing time during the interleague stretch.


I don't think he will. I think he is very aware that Fenway hasn't turned on him and a lot of people are still rooting for him to catch fire. If he starts griping he will lose fan support quickly.

[SamBam39]

I would agree. I don't think he will gripe. Francona has been very patient with him and the fans have been supportive. I think he will get some hacks in this series. He won't sit the entire weekend.

[ginahunt3]

I'm thinking Ortiz plays 2 out of 3, giving Lowell or Youk a break. We've got a 2 game lead & we need to keep it. Papi's coming around now Tito won't put a stop on that.

[ceb364]

I'm thinking Ortiz plays 2 out of 3, giving Lowell or Youk a break. We've got a 2 game lead & we need to keep it. Papi's coming around now Tito won't put a stop on that.

I think I'd rather see a nice big bat waiting on the bench - although Youk or Lowell could do that as well.

[skeeter]

Speaking of Mikey from Lowell, has anyone in a position to know said that Lowell is hurting? When he goes for balls (other than his own), he looks like he hurts as much as I would if I were the one going for them... I mean going for the baseballs, not his balls, of course...

[SamBam39]

My daughter is best friends with Mike Lowell's first cousin. I talk to the guy from time to time and he told me Mike feels fine.

[cleaning_windowz]

lowell day off, ortiz at first.