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Earning His Keep

Rookie outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury played his way onto the Red Sox' playoff roster for the ALDS because of a strong September performance, and in Game One, he offered an impressive demonstration as to why he deserved to be included.

Ellsbury took over for Manny Ramirez in left field to start the ninth. The Angels' first batter, Chone Figgins, lifted a fly to shallow left and Ellsbury was able to charge in and make a diving catch.

"The tools are there (with Ellsbury) that everybody can see, but for a young kid, he has the willingness to be ready. He's done his homework on all of their pitchers so when he does pinch run, he will be as game ready as possible. We may get one opportunity where he can impact the game, but we don't want to let (that chance) go by. That (diving catch) shows what he is able to do. And maybe he makes that play later on in this series with men on base," said Francona.

-- Steven Krasner

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 1:05 PM | Permalink