Playoff roster

[Javier Lopez]

Okay so assuming boston makes playoffs, do they really need to carry kotchman and baldelli? I can see Kotchman maybe being used as late game defensive replacement, but what about baldelli? I think it would be better to give his spot to someone like joey gathright. For instance its tied game in 9th, Ortiz doubles with 2 outs, would you rather have Ortiz, Baldelli or Gathright running? I know people are going to reply "He cant be on roster, he wasn't on roster before sepetember 1st". That is true, however there is a flaw, if baldelli gets "injured" before the playoff start, red sox could replace his spot on roster with gathright.

[Dojji]

If we were going to do that it wouldn't be for Gathright.

[BoSox21]

Baldelli is a pretty good baserunner too actually

[VA Sox Fan]

I'm I the only one who sees Kotchman as a Mientkiewicz-type 1B? Good defense but so-so bat?

 

Please advise and thank you.

[BoSox21]

I'm I the only one who sees Kotchman as a Mientkiewicz-type 1B? Good defense but so-so bat?

 

Please advise and thank you.

 

thats a very fair comparison IMO

[Dojji]

Kotchman actually has some upside though.

[TLev]

Baldelli isn't what he used to be. I remember back in 2001 when analysts said that he could beat ichiro down to first base in a race despite being right handed. Now he doesn't have a single steal all year

[MANNYHOF24]

Let's make the playoffs first please.

[Spudboy]

Let's make the playoffs first please.

 

Exactly.

 

As far as Gathwright vs. Baldelli, it's more than base running.

 

It's true that Baldelli was a fast base runner and is not what he used to be. Gathwright is still quick.

 

If you are going to tie up a roster spot, it might as well be with someone who can hit/get on base.

 

And, Baldelli has a better arm.

[SCM33]

Exactly.

 

As far as Gathwright vs. Baldelli, it's more than base running.

 

It's true that Baldelli was a fast base runner and is not what he used to be. Gathwright is still quick.

 

If you are going to tie up a roster spot, it might as well be with someone who can hit/get on base.

 

And, Baldelli has a better arm.

 

I could see them not keeping Kotchman or Baldelli on the playoff roster. Maybe not both, but I could see at least one of them being left off the roster. I cant explain exactly why I feel this way, but I could see Gathright on the playoff roster playing all 3 OF positions with his speed and the need for a baserunner who can take a base, we sure do have enough guys who clog the bases in our starting lineup.

[Jasonbay44]

I think Gathright would be more valuable on the playoff roster then Baldelli would be. Gathright is faster and could pinch run an help this team a lot. Gathright can also play the outfield as well if not better then Baldelli. B

 

Yes, Baldelli is the better hitter but how many AB's is he going to see anyway? Id assume in the playoffs the batting order would be: Ellsbury, Pedroia, V-Mart, Youk, Ortiz, Bay, Lowell, Drew, Gonzalez. I don't see him pinch hitting for any of those guys, not even Gonzalez.

 

But for now, I think we should focus on getting in the playoffs before discussing the playoff roster.