RKMeibalane
06-22-2002, 11:46 PM
In case I haven't made myself clear, I think Willie Harris should get the start at second base in place of Ray Durham on Sunday. The following text are my reasons for making such a change:
1. Harris will most likely be sent down after the game in order to make room for the returning Matt Ginter, as the Sox return to AL competition. He has had but three at bats since he has been with the Sox, and he has not accomplished anything. I think he deserves a chance to play, if for no other reason, so he'll have an opportunity to get his first Major League hit.
2. Durham has done little since his three-walks game against the Cubs last Sunday. It seems as though he's an automatic out when he steps into the box. I don't remember the last time I saw him drive a ball with authority.
3. Harris' temporary addition to the lineup would give the Sox an element of unpredictability. The Braves know of Harris only what they have read in the scouting reports. As we have often observed, reality and the world of paperwork are different things.
4. There is little use in promoting someone if he is not used. We saw this happen with Joe Crede last September, when he was used sparingly by Jerry Manuel, who said, "We already know what he can do." I don't want the same thing to happen to Harris.
5. Harris could use the experience of starting and playing in a full, nine-inning, big league game. This could serve as a motivational tool for him if he is able to get a "taste" of playing in the Majors. I don't think pinch-hitting would be sufficient to fuel Willie's competitive instincts.
1. Harris will most likely be sent down after the game in order to make room for the returning Matt Ginter, as the Sox return to AL competition. He has had but three at bats since he has been with the Sox, and he has not accomplished anything. I think he deserves a chance to play, if for no other reason, so he'll have an opportunity to get his first Major League hit.
2. Durham has done little since his three-walks game against the Cubs last Sunday. It seems as though he's an automatic out when he steps into the box. I don't remember the last time I saw him drive a ball with authority.
3. Harris' temporary addition to the lineup would give the Sox an element of unpredictability. The Braves know of Harris only what they have read in the scouting reports. As we have often observed, reality and the world of paperwork are different things.
4. There is little use in promoting someone if he is not used. We saw this happen with Joe Crede last September, when he was used sparingly by Jerry Manuel, who said, "We already know what he can do." I don't want the same thing to happen to Harris.
5. Harris could use the experience of starting and playing in a full, nine-inning, big league game. This could serve as a motivational tool for him if he is able to get a "taste" of playing in the Majors. I don't think pinch-hitting would be sufficient to fuel Willie's competitive instincts.