Shane Victorino might as well be named Shane Victory.
With his Game Six grand slam in the ALCS or his willingness to sprint headlong into walls all season long, the Sox left fielder has proved to be one of the most likable players on this Red Sox team. But nevertheless, he like so many other players on this team, has sustained injury over the past 6+ months and after he was beaned in the back last night, Shane's tolerance of his injuries might have run out.
Less than an hour before Game Four began, John Farrell announced that his prized right fielder had been scratched from the lineup. As a result of that move, Danial Nava will move to right field and Johnny Gomes will march out to play left field. The Red Sox are 7-1 in playoff games in which Gomes starts as the presence of Boston's gritty bearded workhorse has always worked wonders on and off the field.
Furthermore, Victorino was not the only scratch from tonight's game. After catcher Jarrod Saltilamaccia shouldered the majority of the blame for last night's errant throw and ensuing obstruction call, he was finally benched to make room for skilled defensive catcher: David Ross.
"We're looking to get some spark, get some offense going," manager John Farrell said before Sunday's game. "That's why David is in there today."
Ross has made just 3 playoff starts this postseason but in that time he has not been bad. Now granted his offensive numbers are nothing compared to those of Saltilamaccia but nevertheless, the Sox backup catcher has belted 4 hits in 13 at bats to compile an average of .357. As for his defense, the single error in 36 regular season games speaks volumes compared to the 6 committed by Saltilamaccia. It calms Red Sox fans who will be forever haunted by the sight of that ball whistling past 3rd base last night.
The lack of Victorino hitting number 2 will certainly be noticed in Game Four but with so many weapons on offence the ADDITION of David Ross on defense will likely balance it all out.
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