Among the whirlwind of media bytes coming out of Fort Myers this week was this pithy-yet-alarming quote from Terry Francona:

“Wake’s  a starter”

Now, this quote could mean one of two things:

1. Francona is saying this to pacify an already-perturbed Methusela Wakefield, in order to avoid any undue tension during spring training.  Then, once the season begins (assuming all five other starters are healthy), pull a Romney-esque flip flop and stash the knuckleballer in the bullpen, egos be damned. Or…
2. Francona is taking the “respect” thing a bit too far, and plans on penciling Wakefield in the rotation, because he’s a gamer and he’s earned it.  He’ll be damned if some brash laptop thief is going to usurp a rotation spot from an 18-year-veteran who has given his heart and soul for this game!  Shame on you for even considering it!

As cynical as I am, my guess is that #1 is closer to the truth.  Francona, even though he has the veneer of an old school tobacco fiend who sticks with “his guys”, is a bit too calculating to give a veteran innings while an obvious upgrade is available.  I don’t remember too many examples of him doing this in the past, and I don’t think he’ll be that guy in 2010.

One Response to “No, Terry, No”

1. Mike says:

   2/18/2010 at 1:54 pm

   But Jimmy, Wake was an ALL-STAR last year!!