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October 28, 2007
By JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER – Coco who?
With the way rookie Jacoby Ellsbury has played when called upon all season for the Red Sox -- more importantly, in the postseason – it’s a safe bet once the World Series is over and the offseason begins, general manager Theo Epstein will be on the phone looking to deal Crisp.
Currently Crisp, who was replaced in the lineup with Ellsbury for Game Six of the ALCS against the Indians, is signed through the 2009 season. Because of Ellsbury’s abilities it was obvious he would be the future center fielder in Boston, but some might not have thought it would happen this quick on this stage.
Ellsbury went 4-for-5 including three doubles, a single, two RBI and two runs scored in Game Three of the World Series last night to help Boston to a 10-5 victory. The Red Sox are one victory away from winning their second championship in the last four seasons and the 24-year-old rookie has played a significant role.
Another interesting tidbit from Game Three is the fact Dustin Pedroia and Ellsbury are the first two rookies ever to have hit Nos. 1-2 in the order during a World Series game. They’ll probably do it again in another postseason, only next time they’ll be seasoned pros. Pedroia was also dialed in at the plate with his 3-for-5 performance, including a pair of singles and a two-run double.
''Man, Ellsbury and Pedroia did a great job,'' said Red Sox veteran Mike Lowell. ''They have really good talent and they’re not overmatched.''
The young talent doesn’t stop with Ellsbury and Pedroia. Kevin Youkilis, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester and Manny Delcarmen have all made solid contributions to this club. If the core of young talent remains teammates for a long time, it’s going to be very interesting to see them develop.
''Throw age out of the question,'' said Papelbon. ''Age means nothing to me and I don’t think it means anything to anybody in this clubhouse. They have a bunch of 20-year-olds over in their clubhouse as well. If you can play at this level then you can play at this level, bar none.
''We’re obviously showing that as a young group of guys, and hopefully we can stay together, stick together and keep that in this clubhouse.”
The job Ellsbury did in the lead off spot Saturday night was very impressive. During the four previous games – Games Six and Seven of the ALCS and Games One and Two of the Series – he batted at the bottom of the order. With no DH in the National League park, Youkilis was forced to sit early in Saturday’s game as David Ortiz played first.
''The thing with our lineup I feel like I just have to get on base,'' said Ellsbury. ''With Dustin behind me, and he’s been playing great, he’s going to do the job. He’s going to move runners and with David and Manny behind him, and Mike Lowell as well, you’ve got to like your chances when you get on.''
Crisp was inserted into last night’s game as a defensive replacement for J.D. Drew, and when he batted in the top of the eighth innin he provided a single up the middle. He later scored on a Dustin Pedroia two-run double that gave Boston a 9-5 lead. The hit was Crisp’s first since Game Two of the ALCS.
It wasn’t only Ellsbury’s bat that proved crucial last night.
With the Red Sox leading 6-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Colorado began to threaten. With two on and one out, the Rockies’ pinch-hitter Ryan Spilborghs crushed a not-too-fast fastball off Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin that first appeared to possible be a home run.
Ellsbury showed his ability to stay in control of the situation when he made his way back to the center-field wall, right at the 415 mark, and easily made the catch for the second out.
''He’s done well,'' said Timlin. ''He’s come in and infused a lot of enthusiasm. He plays the game hard. He’s consistently moving. He runs balls out and he’s trying as hard as he possible can just to play the game right. When you do that, when you play the game correctly, you’re going to have a good time. And, he’s having great success.''
After the play the close-up shot on TV showed him smiling, pointing and winking at right fielder J.D. Drew, while blowing a bubble.
''I wasn’t sure if I had enough room,'' said Ellsbury. ''I was getting ready to climb the wall if necessary, but I was happy I didn’t have to do that.''
Ellsbury exudes confidence but he’s not cocky.
''To be on the postseason roster and to be here in the World Series has definitely been great,'' he said.
Safe to say he’s not playing like a rookie.
Ironically, the last rookie to have such an impact in the World Series is Red Sox ace Josh Beckett, who was named the 2003 World Series MVP while he was pitching for the Florida Marlins. The right-hander was 23 at the time when he pitched on three days rest to clinch the Fall Classic in Game Six against the Yankees, and that performance was the cornerstone for what he’s been able to do for the Red Sox this postseason run.
Ellsbury appears to be on the same track.
''He’s good,'' said Beckett. ''He’s going to be great. I wasn’t as fresh in the league [in 2003] as he is now.''
Posted by Joe McDonald 
at 2:10 AM | Permalink
Frank Knott | October 28, 2007 11:59 AM link
The Remy Awards on NESN reminded me of the many key contributions Coco made during the season. Ellsbury's play may be giving us short memories.