Last night's game was a little strange. A combined 16 runs were scored before the end of the fifth inning and then nothing until the 11th. We witnessed errors, lots of runs, stolen bases and a struggling Red Sox starter.

It's unfortunate but Derek Lowe couldn't get it together for a third consecutive time. Perhaps he celebrated a tad too much on Monday night.

CTnow.com writes the celebration continues. But the site claims no one had a hangover. In fact it quotes centerfielder Johnny Damon as saying, "We're a bunch of idiots, but we're grown-up idiots."

Well it's time to see which "idiots" make the playoff roster. Everyone is questioning Lowe's position. I'd be shocked if he did not make the team. But what role will he play? Boston.com reports Red Sox management is staying pretty tight-lipped about their playoff plans, but a four-man rotation looks to be solid. The newspaper site also asks, "Will Derek Lowe resurface in the playoffs?"

Here are my choices if I were manager:

C - Varitek and Marabelli: These two have been outstanding throughout the year on offense and defense. You could not ask for a more complimentary tendum.
SS - Orlando Cabrera: Has been a great addition to this club. His defense has been more than solid and he has had some clutch hits, especially against that team in New York.
3B - Bill Mueller: Is there a better No. 9 hitter in all of baseball?
2B - Mark Bellhorn: Defensively he's average, maybe a tad better than average. Though his strikeouts are high, his OBP is outstanding. You can't score unless you are on-base.
1B - Doug Mientkiewicz: He has the defense down and is an adequate offensive guy. The defense is key.
LF - Manny Ramirez: Is there any other option? Would you want another option? His defense has been improving and he has excellent positioning when it comes to the Green Monster. Even if there was competition, he'd get my vote for the catch he made in New York.
CF - Johnny Damon: While he doesn't have the strongest arm, he gets to the ball and quickly. Not to mention he's having a career year offensively.
RF - Trot Nixon: This is tough. But I give him the edge for experience and he's a lefty. I do not think he's reached 100%, but he steps up in big games.
DH - David Ortiz: He is the best hitter next to Manny and will be a candidate for the MVP.
Backups: Pokey Reese is a great defensive minded player who should be used late in close games at second. He is also versatile enough to play short if an injury should occur.
Kevin Millar will back up at right field and first base. Some games he will start. I would strictly use him as a pinch-hitter, but I'm not the manager.
Kevin Youkilis has proven that he can play third. He, like Bellhorn, has great patience at the plate resulting often in getting to first. He'll be a great option as third base protection.
Gabe Kapler, to me, has to be on the roster. He is a great baserunner and has a strong arm in right. With Trot a lefty he may get some playing time depending on pitching matchups.
Dave Roberts if for no other reason, he's an excellent basestealer and will be needed in that role. He can play at least two of the outfield positions.
That's 15. 10 more to go and they are all pitchers. Many people may opt for 11 pitchers, but I'm confident with the Red Sox bullpen.

Starter No. 1 - Pedro: At least through the first round and World Series, against New York I would think No. 2. A leader for the past few years.
Starter No. 2 - Curt Schilling - No disrespect to Schilling, but this is his first year on the Red Sox. Regardless of position, the one-two punch of Pedro and Schilling is the best in baseball.
Starter No. 3 - Bronson Arroyo. I plain like him. He has stepped up nicely when the team needed him the most. He has been hot lately and has stayed poised in all situations.
Starter No. 4 - Reluctantly I say Derek Lowe. His last few starts have downright scared me.
Because Tim Wakefield is so versatile I'd put him in long relief as needed. I don't trust Lowe, but Wake is an innings eater and could be very valuable if any of the starters falter. Being a knuckleballer, he could actually appear in all the games.
Closer - Keith Foulke, period. He has 31 saves. Seven blown saves is hard to swallow but I chalk some of it up to Boston pressure. It's alot easier to pitch for a team like Oakland and the White Sox.
Mike Timlin - has remained strong all year and may be the team's eighth inning man.

Now we need three more to fill out the rest. I say lefties Alan Embree and Mike Myers have to make the list. Situational pitching will be needed and being the only veteran lefties on the squad make them automatics.
The last spot is a real toss up Terry Adams, Scott Williamson, Ramiro Mendoza, Pedro Astacio? My gut says Williamson, but he's coming back from injury. Here I'd flip a few coins.

Here's something to ponder. New York's Orlando Hernandez a.k.a. "El Duque" is apparently banged up. He has an injury to his pitching shoulder that may sideline him. With Yankee pitching already in disarray, New Yorkers should be worried. According to the The New York Times, the Yankees are worried." And the New York Post's Joel Sherman says Mike Mussina is now the Yankees' lone reliable starter. What will they do?

The Yankees are going to have some difficulties especially facing Minnesota's Johann Santana today. Santana is my pick for the AL Cy Young. Sorry, Schill.

Reader comments: Having only lasted 2 1/3 innings Tuesday, would you still place Derek Lowe in the rotation during the playoffs?

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