Swihart stays ready to go
Red Sox utility player Blake Swihart is prepared to be an improbable hero in the World Series.
Manager Alex Cora all but predicted it during a press conference prior to batting practice yesterday at Fenway Park. Game 1 of the bestof-seven Fall Classic between the two historic franchises gets underway tomorrow night at Fenway.
“Blake hasn’t played and he’s a huge part of what we are trying to accomplish,” said Cora. “He can pinch-run, he can pinch-hit, he can come in and catch or play first or play the outfield.
“Everybody has a role and it all depends on where the game goes. Every night somebody can step up and somebody can be that guy.”
Swihart played in 82 games at multiple positions in the winningest regular season in Red Sox history. Swihart had 44 hits in 192 at bats with 28 runs, 10 doubles, three homers, six steals and 18 RBI.
Swihart was limited to one at bat in the Red Sox ALDS victory against the Yankees, and he never saw the field in the ALCS triumph over the reigning world champion Houston Astros.
Swihart hopes to get his moment at Fenway, but figures his best opportunities will come when the scene shifts to Los Angeles. Swihart has reinvented himself for situational baseball, which is more prevalent in the National League.
“I really think so and especially in the National League park when we head out there,” said Swihart. “All year long I’ve been staying ready, and whenever I’m called upon I will be ready.
“Whatever the situation, wherever (Cora) needs me, I’ll be ready. You never know when your moment is going to be, so you have to stay prepared and be ready. That my job and that’s the situation I’ve been in all year, so I’ll be ready.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts achieved improbable hero status as a member of the Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees, when his steal of second kickstarted the improbable comeback from 0-3 down to win the AL pennant.
“He is a hero here in this city and he’s a great guy, a great family guy,” said Cora.
Cora’s moment, which was far less dramatic than Roberts, came as a member of the Red Sox in Game 3 of the 2007 World Series — laying down a sacrifice bunt that helped score Mike Lowell in the Sox’ 10-5 victory.
“In my case I only have one World Series at bat and it was a sac bunt,” said Cora. “Mikey stole third and scored on a sac fly.
“I felt great. I only took one swing in the World Series and I feel like I accomplished something. I was part of the equation.”