For Game 2 of the World Series, Jerry Hairston Jr. will start in right field over the struggling Nick Swisher. Hairston’s line against Pedro Martinez over 27 at-bats is .370/.433/.519. Of course, those at-bats are from years ago, when Pedro was with Boston and Hairston was with Baltimore, but Pedro was better back then, so maybe they’ll help Hairston tonight. Part of me wants to criticize Girardi for the move, as it smacks of desperation, but, to be honest, Swisher has looked awful at the plate—he’s practically diving on top of the ball before it gets to him—so I can’t complain (in Swisher’s defense, he did face Cliff Lee last night, who was damn near unhittable).
UPDATE – I’m left wondering, why not start Gardner or Hinske rather than rely upon dated stats?
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6 Responses to Hairston replaces Swisher
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TIQ IQ
Usually go with the vets this time of year and Hinske hasn’t played since the regular season so Hariston makes the most sense.
I would consider Hinske a vet. He also faced the Phillies last year in the WS. Eh, it’s a weird move in my opinion. I’m fine with benching Swisher, but for J-Hair, I’m not sure.
It has to be defense he is looking for while at the same time getting a new bat in the lineup, it’s an strange choice but hey Girardi is famous for them.
Hinkse has power and patients at the plate from the left side against a right handed Pedro with a short porch… Hairston is a right handed singles hitter, I would much rather see Hinske over Hairston here!
Inexplicable. If you must pull Swish, it should be for Gardner, or maybe Hinske.
I can see wanting to keep the only pinch runner on the bench but even so Hairston over Hinske? Why even add Hinske to the roster?