SAN FRANCISCO — DH plan on plane for Giants
The lack of a designated hitter in the first two games of the World Series already has wreaked havoc with the Texas Rangers’ lineup, with cleanup hitter Vladimir Guerrero not starting Game 2 on Thursday night.
When the World Series moves to Texas this weekend, San Francisco Giants Manager Bruce Bochy will be the one with decisions to make.
Bochy said he will talk with his coaches about his designated hitter options on the flight to Texas. While left fielder Pat Burrell would appear to be a prime option because he is one of San Francisco’s best hitters and often is removed for defense late in games, Bochy said he’s not inclined to go that direction because of his struggles as a DH in Tampa Bay.
“If a guy is not comfortable doing something, you don’t want him in that position,” Bochy said. “That’s part of our job, putting a player in that position where he’s comfortable and can succeed.”
Burrell has a .209 career average in 160 games as a designated hitter, leading to his release by the Rays earlier this season. Burrell has said he’s willing to do whatever he’s asked, but it’s clear he is more comfortable in the outfield.
Other options include playing Travis Ishikawa at first base and moving Aubrey Huff to designated hitter or using Pablo Sandoval as his DH.
Ishikawa also could just DH, based on his success as a pinch hitter. Bochy said he likely would use multiple options for the three games in Texas.
Huff has extensive DH experience from his time in the American League, having batted .278 with 69 home runs and 240 RBI in 401 games.
“That’s up to Boch,” Huff said. “He’s nailed the lineups all postseason. Every time he’s put something together it’s worked out. Obviously I’m comfortable DHing.
I’ve done it for a long time.
... I don’t care where I am.
We have one goal as a team and that’s to win the World Series.”Wakefield honored
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield knew all about Roberto Clemente’s legacy coming up in the Pittsburgh organization.
Wakefield vowed to be an example of Clemente’s commitment to giving back.
Wakefield received the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award on Thursday night, given annually to a major league player who gives back through community service and also excels on the field.
Wakefield was presented the award by Commissioner Bud Selig and Vera Clemente, Roberto’s widow, before Game 2 of the World Series at AT&T Park between the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants.
“He deserved this award a long time ago,” Vera Clemente said.
Since 2004, Wakefield has been actively involved with the nonprofit “Pitching in for Kids,” which provides grants to improve the lives of children across the New England region and encourages kids to participate in special events to learn important life skills and the spirit of helping others in a community.
Fundraisers co-hosted by Wakefield have helped raise nearly $1 million.
Giants Hall of Famer Willie Mays was the recipient of the first Roberto Clemente in 1971.
Sports, Pages 23 on 10/29/2010