Boston Red Sox 2018 World Series: 3 things to watch for in the Fall Classic
By Justin Keene
Boston
Red Sox lineup at Chavez Ravine
Once the series shifts to Los Angeles, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora will have a tough decision on his hands. With the National League park comes National League rules, and that means no designated hitter. The lack of DH means someone from the outfield is going to have to sit if Cora wants to get J.D. Martinez‘s bat in the lineup.
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Mookie Betts can not and should not sit. Yes, he is batting .205 in 9 games so far, but he is the heart and soul of this team. The Sox lineup has done plenty of damage so far, just think how things could change if Betts gets into his groove. Andrew Benintendi is batting .237 with 3 doubles, 4 RBI and has scored 9 times. He could be a candidate to sit for Martinez, since the Dodger pitching staff is loaded with lefties.
The last outfielder is our ALCS MVP Jackie Bradley Jr. Bradley was simply amazing and came up in the clutch moments against the Astros.
Bradley Jr. is batting a measly .185 this post season, but he also has 2 HR, 9 RBI and 5 runs scored. Bradley Jr. tends to get hot at certain times, throughout his career, so sitting him could put an end to his hot bat.
Alex Cora may not have to sit any of his out fielders at all and still be able to find a way to get J.D. Martinez into the lineup. Mookie Betts could potentially play second base.
This may come as a shock to most fans (myself included) but he was brought up through the minors at 2B and was supposed to be the heir to Dustin Pedrioa. Once Betts was MLB ready, Pedrioa was still playing at a high level, causing the switch to the outfield. Do not be surprised if you see #50 in the infield.
Cora has been a genius all season long, so whatever decision he makes, Red Sox nation will proudly stand by him. Even he does decide to sit one of the outfielders and not put Mookie at second, he still has the option to bring a plethora of bats off the bench.
It will be very interesting to see the rookie manager on the big stage, as he will be facing former Boston Red Sox playoff hero Dave Roberts. Roberts has been to this stage before, so he can learn from his mistakes, but this is all new to Cora. Let’s hope the latter continues to make the right decision at the right time.