No Rocco Baldelli or Manny Delcarmen.
Starters
1. Jon Lester
2. Josh Beckett
3. Clay Buchholz
4. Daisuke Matsuzaka
Bullpen
5. Billy Wagner
6. Takashi Saito
7. Jonathan Papelbon
8. Paul Byrd
9. Daniel Bard
10. Hideki Okajima
11. Ramon Ramirez
Infielders
12. Dustin Pedroia
13. Kevin Youkilis
14. Mike Lowell
15. Alex Gonzalez
16. Casey Kotchman
17. Jed Lowrie
18. David Ortiz
Outfielders
19. Brian Anderson
20. Jason Bay
21. Jacoby Ellsbiury
22. J.D. Drew
23. Joey Gathright
Catchers
24. Victor Martinez
25. Jason Varitek
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A couple of things are at play here: First, with Baldelli unable to go, Tito decided to keep both Gathright and Anderson as backup OFs/pinch runners. That meant an 11-man pitching staff. Second, the choice of Byrd over Delcarmen most likely indicates some doubt about the durability of at least one starter.
I suspect that Beckett's back is enough of a concern that the Sox feel the need for a long man in the bullpen. Otherwise, I think I'd rather have Manny than Byrd.
The way I heard it, the Sox like a long reliever in the 'pen regardless — to protect against injury and extra inning games.
Evan: You may be right, and my speculation about Beckett may be baseless. I was trying to recall past playoff rosters; until this year, I suppose Wakefield usually filled the role of a back-end starter or long man (oh no, Aaron Boone flashback!). You could say Byrd is effectively this year's Wake: Long reliever/spot starter,old guy, funky delivery, pitches barely register on the radar gun. Yep, pretty good match.
i'm always in favor of having one guy in the pen who can go 3-4 innings to protect the bullpen in a blowout or extra inning situation.
however, i gotta believe that delcarmen being simply mediocre at best this year has more to do with this?
It certainly didn't hurt.
I hope they don’t pitch the meatball thrower too many times.
i don't know guys.. Bryd really said he'd clean toilets to win a ring… and his last outing (not counting the HR ball) looked really good (to me). he came in for Beckett then and frankly, even tho' i know Manny is a better pitcher… he just hasn't looked good at all and for Byrd, he has composure and a fresh arm – seemingly no physical issues. he has heart and is a grinder and that is why i am happy he is on for the post-season. i am still waiting to see Byrd do that double-pump thing that he does …
For some reason every time I see your name I think of Donna from That 70’s show. Lol
If he hasn't pitched vs. the Angels (I can't remember) then he will be as big a surprise as Wake's butterfly.
Butterfly: Papillon (IFr), Mariposa (sp.), Flinder (Ned), Schmetterlink (Ger). Too bad none of them rhyme with Wake.