Mirabelli Situation Today

[Sox fan in Tex]

I don't know if this has been talked about at all, whether it be on the NESN postgame, WEEI or on here, but I thought it was worth bringing up. In the 7th inning with a men on 1st and 3rd, down 5-1, why was Doug Mirabelli still hitting? The guy had already struck out twice on the day against Haren. Is it just because Francona wanted Varitek to have the entire day off? Or maybe V-tek has bad numbers against Haren. I was just wondering if anyone else was wondering the same thing, now that we're about to be only 1.5 up.

[RavenOfProphecy]

Varitek is 0-5 with 3 Ks lifetime against Haren, if I recall correctly. They could've maybe used a pinch hitter such as Wily Mo Pena and then subbed in Tek, though.

[RoyNHSox]

I don’t recall Tito ever PH’ing for a catcher in the 7th of any road game. I didn’t confirm this but just my recollection.

 

In the game today I’m guessing it was a matter of giving Tek the extra rest. Mirabelli did hit the 3 run HR not too long ago so maybe that too played into the decision. FWIW, I had hoped for a pinch hitter but knew there was little chance.