pokerpills said:
You could have Millar or Varitek bat 3rd if you're giving Ortiz the day off. Mirabelli is batting .250 with 4 homers.
Mirabelli's success against Lilly is one reason. Here are two others
1) Francona doesn't want to jerk around one of his good hitters hitting in sports they are "confortable" The reality is one game shouldn't make a difference, but baseball players are creatures of habit, Tek likes hitting down in the order.
2) If Sox are losing, look for Ortiz to PH at some point. If it's early enough he'll be in his 3rd spot for a couple of AB's.