Charlie Manuel is going use opposite handed hitters to match up with the pitchers in the designated hitter slots. That much we know. Other than that, though, Manuel is either playing it close to the vest or really doesn't know who he's going to use in the batting-only position for the two to four games in Tampa Bay (yes, I know they play in St. Pete, but they are the Tampa Bay Rays ... contact Bud Selig with complaints, not me).
"When I put out my lineup, I never know," he said. "I might look and change it at the last moment. Seriously, you never know."Two options being discussed for the spot against left-handed Scott Kazmir for Game 1 are Chris Coste and Eric Bruntlett. Coste, of course, leaves the Phillies without a backup catcher, which is always a dangerous game. Bruntlett, since he's a better defensive player than Pat Burrell, would likely play left-field and move Burrell to the DH-spot. A possible issue there, though, is that sometimes guys used to playing in the field lose concentration when they move to DH.
Burrell didn't seem concerned.
"At this time of year, it's something you've got to deal with," Burrell said. "I don't know what's going to happen, but I do know this: At this time of year, as important as everything is, you've got to put your best team out there. Bar none. Whoever that includes."Really, Manuel's in a tough bind. There aren't any good right-handed bats on his bench. Using Coste handcuffs him should Carlos Ruiz get injured during the game, because they'd be forced to lose their DH and bat the pitcher for the rest of the game. Bruntlett does upgrade the defense, but do you risk messing with Burrell's game-routine and losing his bat? The lefties Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs each have less than 10 at-bats against lefties this season.
"At this level, everything gets magnified, so you have to put your best effort forth. We'll see what happens. It's something that hasn't been talked about. They haven't talked to me about it. But, obviously, there's a possibility that could happen."
It's a pickle, but I'm guessing the fact that they are playing in the World Series curbs any possible frustration.
I predict he DH's Burrell and plays Bruntlett in left.
