BOSTON — When the Rockies really needed a jolt this season, Ryan Spilborghs went Red Bull, hitting a caffeinated .307 with 10 home runs in 57 starts.
As expected, he returned to the lineup for the first time since the division series, filling the designated hitter role for tonight’s World Series opener. Spilborghs will hit ninth.
Spilborghs hit .273 in 12 interleague games with two home runs. However, he went 1-for-11 at Boston this season
“I think (Hurdle) feels very comfortable running Spilly out there,” general manager Dan O’Dowd said. “Spilly has given us quality at-bats all year especially after he’s been rested.”
Footnotes
Not that they like the Sox around here or anything, but fans began arriving to Fenway Park at 10 a.m., patrons already drinking beers at nearby bars. That’s hardcore, a borderline unhealthy obsession with team trying to win only its second World Series since 1918.
… For Rockies second baseman Kazuo Matsui, there’s real anticipation given the chance to face former Seibu Lions teammate Daisuke Matsuzaka in Game 3. Said Matsui, who had a chance to talk to Matsuzaka during batting practice, “I am excited about it.”
… Red Sox owner John Henry on Colorado: “The Rockies are the hottest team in baseball. They have won 21 of 22 games. You can’t get much better than that. Of course we are taking them seriously.”
… Rockies first baseman Todd Helton and his father Jerry enjoyed visiting during batting practice Tuesday. At one point, bench coach Jamie Quirk took a picture of the pair. “It’s not everyday that you get to see your son play in the World Series,” Jerry said.
… A glaring omission from earlier stories of Spilborghs’ imaginary movie, “The Grinders.” Matt Damon as Jamey Carroll.
WORLD SERIES LINEUPS
Here is the lineup card for Game 1 of the World Series, the first in Rockies’ history:
Rockies
CF Willy Taveras
2B Kazuo Matsui
LF Matt Holliday
1B Todd Helton
3B Garrett Atkins
RF Brad Hawpe
SS Troy Tulowitzki
C Yorvit Torrealba
DH Ryan Spilborghs
Red Sox
2B Dustin Pedroia
1B Kevin Youkilis
DH David Ortiz
LF Manny Ramirez
3B Mike Lowell
C Jason Varitek
RF J.D. Drew
SS Julio Lugo
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
