Some breaking news:
Tim Wakefield will not be on the World Series roster. Apparently, his back/shoulder issues are too out of hand. It’s unknown who he will be replaced with, but Jon Lester will probably step in the rotation. This may open up a spot for Julian Tavarez. (Speaking of Tavarez, I still don’t know why he was buried from September 1 on…)
[UPDATE: 4:30 Starting rotation is set. After Beckett hurls Game 1, Curt Schilling will follow on four days rest. Daisuke Matsuzaka will pitch the first game at Coors Field, and although unnaounced. Jon Lester is expected to draw Game 4 after throwing a stimulated start.
This means Beckett would draw Game 5, Schilling Game 6 and Dice-K in line for the biggest start of his career in Game 7 should it gt that far.]
Also, Coco Crisp’s balky right knee means Ellsbury is starting Game 1 against Jeff Francis, a lefty. Even though Ellsbury was assured of starting against righties, his status against lefties was in doubt… until now.
[UPDATE: 4:45 Coco Crisp not only lost his starting job, he is being left off the World Series roster entirely, according to NECN. No word on who replaces him. The logical person to replace Coco would have to be Brandon Moss to serve as a backup outfielder if the goal is to insert a backup outfielder in Coco’s place.
However, I’d be surprised to see NECN is right. I think Coco needs to be on the roster as the backup OF.]
