Results tagged ‘ interleague games ’
Should David Ortiz play first base for the Red Sox?
Whether David Ortiz likes it or not, he is a designated hitter and that role is not part of the game in a National League ball park. Red Sox manager Terry Francona has the idea of playing Ortiz at first and moving Adrian Gonzalez to right field during interleague play at National League parks. It’s a good idea in preparation for the World Series, but there is no need for it during all nine games of the upcoming road trip.
Ortiz should play first base in the second game of the three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Righty Jeff Karstens is the probable starting pitcher. Ortiz is 2-for-3 with one home run off of Karstens during his career. Ortiz can be put on pinch-hit duty for the other two games of the series. One start and a couple pinch-hit at-bats should be enough in PNC, where he has struggled in the past. Gonzalez, who doesn’t have great numbers at PNC either, can take the second game off and give J.D. Drew or Mike Cameron some playing time.
After the Pittsburgh series, the Red Sox will take a day off and travel to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for a three-game series. Both Ortiz and Gonzalez have hit exceptionally well there. The Philadelphia Phillies are a potential World Series team and this series can give the Red Sox a glimpse on how this situation could play out in a World Series matchup.
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Red Sox dilemma in MLB’s DH indecision
I was born after the designated hitter rule was instituted and have lived my whole life as a diehard member of Red Sox Nation in Boston. I have developed an affinity for the American League style of baseball with the designated hitter. Starting interleague games in 1997, Major League Baseball transformed from two distinct leagues into one league, but kept the different rules.
I am neither for nor against interleague play. I see the disadvantages and the advantages for the game and business to play a rotation of the opposing league’s teams. However if the two leagues play against each other in the regular season, I believe they should be united under the same rules. The NBA, NHL and NFL are all separated into two conferences with the same rules of play. There is no reason for MLB to be any different.
With the Collective Barging Agreement set to be renewed after this season, there is a chance of the National League adopting the designated hitter rule. The owners are not afraid to change the game and the MLB Players Union will be happy to add more guaranteed starting jobs. Until then we will have one league under two rules.
The Boston Red Sox have one of the best records against the National League teams, despite not being able to use a DH. During the 2003 season David Ortiz became the Red Sox everyday DH. He is one of a few players in the league to play the position exclusively. Every year the Red Sox have to figure out a way to get Ortiz in the lineup during interleague road trips.
