I had to laugh when I read Terry Francona’s lame explanation for using washed-up Mike Timlin instead of Paul Byrd in the 11th inning of Saturday’s 9-8 loss to the Rays. Francona said he didn’t want to use Byrd that early because he hadn’t pitched for awhile.
Gee, Terry. If you’d used Byrd like you should have instead of Javier Lopez in the 12th inning of that Game 2 loss in the ALDS to the Angels, he wouldn’t have been so rusty.
Francona finally used Byrd in today's game against the Rays.
Timlin wasn't even on the ALDS roster so it's not like he had just pitched in a game. I really like Francona a lot and love that he will defend his players with his last breath but that response is just silly...