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October 5, 2007
By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON _ The life of a bench player is never an easy one, especially if you’re a member of the Boston Red Sox because chances are you’ll see limited playing time.
There aren’t too many guys who can handle that role here, but the Red Sox have done a solid job the last two seasons, especially this one putting the right group of guys in the dugout who complement the starting nine.
While rookie Dustin Pedroia has enjoyed a tremendous first season, there is Alex Cora on the bench. While Kevin Youkilis has been as steady as they come at first base, Eric Hinske sat back and waited to get the nod.
As Red Sox manager Terry Francona usually says, there’s a difference between being a veteran team and being an old team.
Boston is a veteran club, mixed with the youthful enthusiasm that has kept this club on an even keel this season. That attitude starts at the top with GM Theo Epstein, filters down to Francona and works its way through the clubhouse.
The end result is an A.L. East Division title with the best record in baseball.
“We treat everybody like they’re important,” said Francona.
There was a point earlier in the season when the Sox were in Tampa playing the Devil Rays, and Pedroia was given a rare night off. Cora played second and late in the game needed to execute a sacrifice bunt, but failed to do so and eventually Boston lost the game.
Fast forward to the clubhouse where Cora was waiting for the local media, so he could publicly take the blame for the loss. Francona later called his utility infielder a true professional, one of the best in the game. The same can be said for Hinske.
In fact, Francona spoke at length about the importance of everyone on the bench prior to last night’s Game Two of the ALDS against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In his fourth season as manager in Boston, Francona said yesterday he hasn’t had to deal with any in-house problems.
“We had a pretty veteran bench for much of the year,” he said. “I don’t remember one time during the year either putting out a fire, or putting out a perceived fire.”
Guys like Hinske, Cora, Bobby Kielty and Doug Mirabelli get it. They know their place. Would they want to play more? Sure, who wouldn’t? But Francona has done a good job, keeping those players fresh so when they are needed, either due to an injury or for a day off, they’ll be ready.
“They have all put our team’s goals ahead of their own,” said Francona. “And, that’s not easy to do all the time. We’ve got a bunch of professionals and they’ll do whatever you’ll ask them. . . They have made my life a lot easier.”
The bench guys always hit on the off-days, and when a pitcher needs to work a simulated game, they’re there.
“Ask any starter and they’ll have nothing but compliments for these guys,” added Francona.
There have been players in Boston in recent years who haven’t accepted that role with open arms, including outfielder Jay Payton and first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz. Francona mentioned Payton specifically, saying he’s a good kid, just had trouble handling the bench role.
Even the young guys in the Red Sox organization, who have been introduced into this environment in the latter half of the season, fit in nicely. Players like Jacoby Ellsbury and Brandon Moss have both made contributions, while staying out of everyone else’s way.
Because of that entire team concept, the Red Sox find themselves playing baseball in October. And, it’s probably a good possibility one of those role players will make a significant contribution very soon.
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 9:20 PM | Permalink
