Dave Roberts

[mosox]

I know this was a thread that was started in late summer, but it deserves another round.

The excitement number 31 has generated over the last two games when he came in as a pinch runner has been off the charts.

The Sox in my memory have never had a runner this fast who can shake a pitcher and then steal a base at will.

This was a Theo trade that was under the radar in July, but the Sox may not still be playing if not for the base running of Roberts late in the game.

[sarasoxfan]

i had a feeling this would come up-I was thinking someone would suggest letting damon sit down the way he is playing. I love johnny and keep waiting for a break out game from him, and waiting, and waiting....

 

I dont know where I stand on this, but I do know I like roberts and he appears to be a fabulous memeber of the team. While Doug M. has mouthed off to at least the new york media about his playing time you never hear anything from roberts.

Last night as those idiots in the booth said he was messing gordo up just by the thought of a steal, and with that gordon walked the batter. he makes an impact pure and simple.

 

I think roberts would be fine in the line-up and I agree with els maybe its time to let dougie have a go...

 

That said I would be stunned if francona did anything as bold and calculated as that.

 

Under the pressure in the playoff s I predict he'll go with the same old line-up. He might wisen up, but I for one would be absolutely stunned.

[elsrbueno]

I agree and disagree.

 

I agree that Dave Roberts is VERY important to this team, and without him we wouldn't be where we are now. Fact: In BOTH of the last 2 games, Dave Roberts scored the tying run with Mariano Rivera on the mound. Fact: He's done it before for the Red Sox at Yankee stadium.

 

I disagree that he should be starting. I think he's great, but I like knowing he's there and ready to help at a moment's notice. I like the fact that no matter who get on in late innings, Dave Roberts is available to pinch run and make a difference.

 

Yes, Roberts could play CF, leadoff, and be very good. But would I feel as confident with Johnny Damon at first with the Red Sox trailing by 1? No. It just doesn't seem like he's got the same feel for basestealing that Roberts has. Johnny Damon doesn't upset the opposing pitcher as much as Roberts does.

 

and besides, despite his recent funk, Johnny Damon is simply a more dangerous hitter than Dave Roberts.

[yeszir]

That 1-0 count where he drew X number of throws at first, and where that ONE pitch lasted 10 minutes was satisfying and excruciatingly painful at the same time. I was pretty bored.

[yankees228]

roberts is very valuable to the red sox, the problem is the yanks have the same thing in lofton and crosby they just don't use them

[jlcrss9]

i say...when we win tonight give roberts the starts in WS game one. Damon has done nothing and needs a few days off.

[yankthis]

I agree about Dave Roberts. But it seems that they either forgot or didn't know (yeah, right) just what Johnny Damon is about right from the start. He had a reputation for stealing bases more than for anything else.

 

If they don't want to play a running game, fine. But at the very least, whenever he gets on base he should be doing a silly-ass "I'm gonna run, lookie here, boy, I'm gonna run" dance to distract the opposing pitcher.