Terry Francona On Wakefield’s ASG Appearance And Buchholz Starting
July 16, 2009 – 9:15 am by Tas MelasAt the midway point, Terry Francona’s Red Sox are still the team to beat in my opinion. I know the Yankees got hot, and this will likely come down to the wire, but I’m going with the more reliable staff, again, in my opinion (I also have a silent vendetta against A.J. Burnett). I’m glad the Yanks turned it on because as tough as the AL East is, I don’t believe any other team can be relied upon to contend with Boston. Either way, we’ve been setup for a very nice second half in this division. Francona joined Dale & Holley on WEEI to discuss Tim Wakefield not appearing in the All-Star Game, how tough it is to manage the midsummer classic, and Clay Buchholz back on the bump as a starter.
Are you disappointed that Tim Wakefield did not appear in the All-Star Game?
“Personally, sure. I thought Joe did a great job last night. The way that the game is constituted, it puts the manager in a tough spot. It looks to me like he did a good job. He held Wake back because he was rested and a knuckleball pitcher. I thought Joe did a great job.”
How tough is it to manage an All-Star Game?
“I think that the way they set this game up, it certainly makes the outcome more interesting. Different people probably feel different. We’re going to try to win the game and get as many guys in as possible, and we appreciate your co-operation. If the bottom line is winning the game, you can’t put yourself in a position to lose.”
Why is Clay Buchholz starting against the Blue Jays?
“We really wanted to line up our pitching after the break. It can give you a lot of rest. You’re feet can get a little heavy… Buchholz is going to be excited; maybe he absolutely deals. This kid has gone down and done everything that we’ve asked of him, and there’s something to be said about that.”
Listen to Terry Francona on WEEI with Dale & Holley
Tags: Baseball, Boston Red Sox, MLB, Terry Francona
