Clearing the Bases Blog Index
June 13, 2007
Pedroia, Lugo, Ellsbury

Terry Francona made his first tweak of the lineup, putting Dustin Pedroia at the leadoff spot, and batting Julio Lugo ninth.

Applause to Francona for the move. And give it up for Lugo, for how he handled it.

Meanwhile, in Pawtucket, Jacoby Ellsbury went 2-for-5 last night, with two runs and two more stolen bases (now 17).

There may be more tweaks in the future, but Francona has shown that he is slow to make moves (something we fantasy managers could learn from).

From the few comments posted, as well as other emails, it appears that most favor a trade of Wily Mo Pena (I would assume Pena's agent would be in favor). Some believed Ellsbury should not be rushed, and Crisp should be given more time. Understandable thoughts, especially the way Crisp has played defense. But Ellsbury may be even better in center field. And he's got a solid head on his shoulders. He seems ready to be rushed.

How about this comment from Lugo after learning he been moved from first to last in the lineUP: "When you're on the top of the lineup, you need to get on base more consistently. I understand that. If you're not getting it done and somebody can get it done better." He scored several clubhouse points with those words.

Along with Ellsbury's performance in Pawtucket last night were impressive performances on the mound. Starter Devern Hansack put in his third straight strong outing (7 1/3, 2 earned run, 8 K's, no BB's).

Manny Delcarmen pitched 1 2/3 innings of relief. In Delcarmen's last nine games, he has allowed no runs in 14 2/3 innings, giving up 10 hits, 6 walks, while striking out 17.

The 19-year-olds shined for Greenville in Class A ball last night. Lars Anderson went 3-for-5, raising his average to .308. Jason Place went 2-for-4 with his seventh home run.

Posted at 05:39 AM

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Kevin covers baseball for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He first reported on spring training games for the St. Petersburg Times in 1978. He wisely moved to Maine in 1994 and now writes about the Portland Sea Dogs and Boston Red Sox—when he's not coaching Little League baseball.

He is married to Nancy, and the couple recently completed their lineup card with the birth of their ninth child.



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