Looking to spark the offense for tonight’s World Series game, manager Clint Hurdle benched Willy Taveras, inserting Kazuo Matsui in the lead-off spot, followed by Troy Tulowitzki.
“I felt it was time to try a little something different,” Hurdle said today. “Unfortunately, Willy is the odd man out. But Willy is not the cause of the offensive decline. When you look to make changes you don’t want to have to reinvent the lineup, so we are going with one that’s had success.”
Hurdle informed Taveras of the change before the game. He made it clear to him to remain ready, since it’s likely he would be used as either a pinch runner or hitter late in the game.
Cory Sullivan takes over in center field for Taveras and will bat eighth.
Hurdle had hinted at a possible change during Friday’s workout, acknowledging that the offense’s struggles had become a concern. Taveras is hitting just .120 in 25 playoff at-bats, and his bunting has been neutralized by the defense of Boston third-baseman Mike Lowell.
Sullivan is batting .333 this postseason in three at-bats.
