The major surprise in the Red Sox’ ALDS roster is the exclusion of Tim Wakefield, whose back is not healthy enough to serve the bullpen role that Terry Francona would have otherwise expected. Here’s the roster:
Batters:
Kevin Cash (C), Alex Cora (IF), Coco Crisp (OF), J.D. Drew (OF), Jacoby Ellsbury (OF), Eric Hinske (Util), Bobby Kielty (OF), Mike Lowell (3B), Julio Lugo (SS), Doug Mirabelli (C), David Ortiz (DH), Dustin Pedroia (2B), Manny Ramirez (OF), Jason Varitek (C), Kevin Youkilis (1B).
Pitchers:
Josh Beckett (RHP), Manny Delcarmen (RHP), Eric Gagne (RHP), Jon Lester (LHP), Javier Lopez (LHP), Daisuke Matsuzaka (RHP), Hideki Okajima (LHP), Jonathan Papelbon (RHP), Curt Schilling (RHP), Mike Timlin (RHP).
This would look exactly as expected were Tim Wakefield included in place of Kevin Cash. We are carrying fifteen batters and ten pitchers. Any spot start or long relief work will go to Lester as Julian Tavarez is not on the roster.