FanPost

What to do with Big Papi

So, with this ridiculous stretch of games coming up, when should Ortiz be back in the lineup?  I've heard everywhere from 'keep him out for a week' to 'let him sit out one game.'  I think that keeping him out is actually beneficial for a couple reasons.   First, it gives Tito time to try and sort out the Ellsbury/Crisp situation, and have them both play.  Obviously, I think they have to stick with Jacoby in the long run, and getting rid of Coco is inevitable.  Also, it's still so early in the season that, if Papi is still nursing his knee, he can sit out as long as he needs to. 

On the other hand, it seems like it would be a much smarter (more smart?) move to get Ortiz in there and have him struggle through until  he can get his swing back.  I know that putting him in the lineup while he is struggling takes a spot away from someone who could do something more productive, but keeping him out won't necessarily get him out of this slump.

Clearly I have been agonizing over what Franconer should do.  Any Sox fan wants him in the lineup, but not if he is struggling.