>p>Big Papi appeared to be getting his swing back, but got hit hard on the other wrist last nigh, in such a way that I am surprised he is playing. The Sox don’t need another set back with David Ortiz.
In theory, if he heads for the DL, and I half expect this to happen, could Rocco/Bailey/Carter/JD/JB?Youk rotate through with Papi-like success until he returns from medical procedures, rehab and Pawtucket???
Maybe. I have always insisted that Bailey/Carter, getting regular AB’s, could fill in as DH. But here is another solution, equally theoretical, which occured after reading the Community Post about more power. I was struck by the cul de sac on which Adrian Gonzales is stuck. This young GG 1st baseman, a legitimate.300 hitter who should hit 40HR, a lefty with an OPS over 1.000, will hit half those HR at Petco. Imagine what he could do at Fenway.
He has big trouble with lefties. Youk doesn’t. Gonzales & Youkilis rotating at DH, 1b & resting Mike at 3rd, depending on opposing pitching, would be fearsome. With 40 HR potential at Petco, and as a GG, he would be Teixeira +++. He earns about $3.5MM. What happens when Papi returns? I have no idea. Can’t lose Youk, Mike or Papi, can’t displace Lars, and don’t want to, but there is probably a way.
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Just thinking out loud. In the real world, here’s hoping Papi, the best DH in the game and the smiling face of the Nation, is fully healthy and hits one out tonight. He’s been coming so close.