I still think walking Ortiz would be a bad idea for many reasons. First, Ortiz does strike out often if pitched to well. He's slow, leaving the chance open to pull a "knock down then throw" out with a hard hit ball. Damon was at 2nd, so not just any single would have brought him in. With Ortiz up and 3rd open the pitcher doesn't have to be perfect and can always back down to a walk if he gets behind in the count.
Mientkavicz is really (unfairly or unintentionally) being bashed and looked at as an easy out. His average wasn't high but he had other factors working for him. He's been hitting well in clutch situations while getting most at bats in games where Boston was ahead and he didn't need to get the big hit. He has more experience than Ortiz in many ways. Remember that he's a starting 1st baseman who is only on the bench because of how good Millar/Nixon are in the playoffs. He laid down 2 perfect bunts recently, so the option of the squeeze at home would still be an option, at least, with a guy on 3rd. And of course, earlier in the game he knocked 2 or 3 foul balls out of the park. He seemed to be "on" and I would have been happy to give him the chance to win it.
Sending Ortiz was a shocker I was very impressed with. He was safe IMO, but it was close and the ump seemed as surprised as anyone. Since nobody holds him on 1st his odds get better. If he makes it we may be talking about Pokey making it home from 2nd instead of Ortiz's blooper.
I've watched almost every Boston game this year (MLB extra innings, thank you DirectTV) and Matsui played left at Fenway better than ANY visiting left fielder. As SP33Demon mentioned, Matsui pulled a fake out using the wall that I'll never forget. He never gives away any information on how he's playing the ball which slows up all the baserunners.
To end the rant, Theo, please resign Pedro! Even when he's not his best he's still better than most. When he's on, well everyone knows what happens when he's on. The announcers mentioned he might demand "Shilling money" as if Pedro didn't deserve it. Big Shill makes $12 million a year, if Pedro signs at that it's a steal. The lack of good starting pitching to replace him with is also a factor. They need to sign, in order, Tek, Pedro, Cabrera, then Lowe. While I'd like to keep this exact team intact it's not an option in the free agency era. If Theo keeps 3 of the 4 Boston will remain very tough.
Someone should throw McCarver out of his announcer's seat and replace him with any inanimate object, if you can't say something informative shut up.
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