Should Ortiz or Youk start at first base in Denver?

[YAZMAN]

I agree....sit Papi for game 3.

 

I'm leaning this way as well, but I wouldn't be horribly disappointed if Papi started against the righty and Youk came in the game later. At 3-0, I'd definitely start Youk for game 4.

 

Mike Lowell should be 100% out of any discussions involving who sits, and it has nothing to do with Youk's ability to play 3rd.

[nateg]

youk should stay in. He's red hot.

 

Seeing ortiz run in pain gives me the shivers. I feel bad for the guy, but he's a champ to stay in. You know he's hurtin' though.

 

oh and...

 

:ortiz:

 

Had to use it.

[redsoxrules]

Ortiz will be playing first base saturday night , youk will be on the bench

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7379714

[a700hitter]

I do not want to sacrifice defense and risk injury to Ortiz by playing him now we are up by 2-0. Let him sit at least the first game. Last night - we proved that we can play small ball like a NL team. Hopefully Dice-K can bat.

He's had this condition since last season. Doctors saw no reason to operate. The pain has gotten progressively worse, but there is no ligament damage and the knee is stable. Playing with the condition is uncomfortable, but there is no increased risk of ligament damage.

[mosox]

I think Francona has made the right decision (not something I write here everyday). Ortiz should get some good swings against Fogg and I like keeping Youk for pinch hitting if it's in the middle innings and Dice-K is up with men on base.

[TheKilo]

He's had this condition since last season. Doctors saw no reason to operate. The pain has gotten progressively worse' date=' but there is no ligament damage and the knee is stable. Playing with the condition is uncomfortable, but there is no increased risk of ligament damage.[/quote']

 

He's having surgery this offseason.

[a700hitter]

He's having surgery this offseason.

Yes, I know. He's having surgery, because the discomfort and pain has increased, not because of any structural damage to ligaments or instability of the joint. He's not risking any career threatening injury by playing with this condition.