A manager would never employ the shift against hitters like Brett and Boggs. One was coached by Charlie Lau and the other by Walt Hriniak, who both believed strongly in hitting to the opposite field.
Ted would never hit to the opposite field unless it was an accident. His theory of hitting was to pull everything. It's just surprising he didn't face the shift even earlier in his career. In fact, it might be that it was only the Guardians under Cronin that implemented the shift against him.
I agree. Orsillo was a damn good play by play guy. NESN's firing of him with no explanation was unclassy as hell. Well, the SOX loss was the Padres' gain.