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October 26, 2007
BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- The Sox' Kevin Youkilis has always been known for working the count in his at-bats, content to take his walks while showing a sharp batting eye and unusual discipline at the plate, something that has been part of his game since college.
He isn't the only one on the Sox who will make the pitcher work, though. There's an art to it, said Youkilis this afternoon before Boston's optional workout at Coors Field.
''It's hard, but you have to be able to do that against the best pitchers in the league,'' said Youkilis. ''You have to be able to foul off tough pitches. You have to take pitches that are just off the plate, pitches he wants you to swing at.''
When the Sox are successful at grinding out their at-bats, which is often, the opposing starting pitcher is gone from the game relatively early and the bullpen door opens, a risky proposition early in the game for almost every team.
Boston will enter Saturday night's game having won five games in a row. The opposing starting pitcher has not retired more than 18 batters in any of the games, and the pitch counts have been high for the most part.
In winning the last three games against the Indians for the World Series berth, Cleveland's starting pitchers -- C.C. Sabathia (6-plus innings, 112 pitches), Fausto Carmona (2-plus, 63) and Jake Westbrook (6, 94) -- weren't able to sail through the Sox' batting order.
In the two games against Colorado, the Rockies' starters weren't any more effective. Jeff Francis threw 103 pitches in 4 innings, and Ubaldo Jiminez threw 91 pitches in 4 2/3 innings.
Posted by Steven Krasner 
at 4:52 PM | Permalink
