ST. LOUIS - David Ortiz is a dangerous hitter, no doubt about that. The question going into Game 3 tonight is how dangerous is he with a glove?
The Red Sox designated hitter will be forced into action as a fielder with the World Series shifting to the National League ballpark for at least the next two games.
Though he reached the big leagues as a first baseman with Minnesota in 1998, Ortiz has predominantly been a DH the past five seasons. He started only 31 games at first in 2004, and his .986 fielding percentage put him near the bottom of major-league first basemen with at least 30 starts.
Ortiz said he works on his fielding every day, but that doesn't mean he is ready to start in the World Series.
"I'm not comfortable right now," Ortiz said. "Not at all."
The Red Sox are putting on a brave face, but the truth is they have defensive woes without Ortiz in the field. Boston has eight errors in the first two games. And regular first baseman Kevin Millar is often replaced for defensive purposes by Doug Mientkiewicz late in games.
"Ortiz is actually a very good first baseman," Millar said. "He has good hands, he can make all of the throws. He doesn't have a lot of range, but I don't either. He's not going to be a circus out there."
Ortiz played one game at first after July 22. Interestingly, he hit .279 when playing the field and .309 as the DH.
WHICH PEDRO WILL IT BE?: There was a time Red Sox fans would have been horrified if Pedro Martinez did not get a start until the third game of a postseason series. That may no longer be true.
Martinez slumped late in the regular season and has been merely adequate in the postseason. He has a 4.73 ERA in three starts in the division and league championship series. Dating to mid September, he has a 6.94 ERA in his past six starts and has reached the eighth inning once.
"I expect Pedro to pitch his fanny off," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "I think he's got rest. I think he feels good about himself. Any time we start Pedro, believe me, we're excited about it."
WARM THOUGHTS: Although rain is expected today in St. Louis, it was beautiful and in the mid 70s Monday. "I got up this morning, went outside and read the newspaper. I didn't have to put three layers of clothes on," Cardinals reliever Ray King said. "Boston was cold and dreary. Fenway is a great ballpark, but not the place I want to call home."
OOPS: The Red Sox are the first team to make four or more errors in consecutive World Series games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, they are the first team to win consecutive games (regular or postseason) while making four or more errors since the Orioles on May 28-29, 1986.
FAMILIAR FACE: St. Louis starter Jeff Suppan has an interesting perspective on the Red Sox: He started his career with them, then was traded back and spent the second half of last season with them.
Suppan said he's not sure there is an advantage for either side. "We all change from year to year," he said.
Suppan could have something to prove, as the Sox left him off the division series roster and didn't use during the ALCS, but he said that wasn't the case.
"It's just how it is," Suppan said. "You go into the postseason and there are no hard feelings."
WORTH NOTING: Boston's 17 runs in the first two games are the most in a World Series since the Yankees scored 18 against the Padres in 1998. ... Boston closer Keith Foulke extended his postseason shutout streak to 12 innings over nine appearances. ... St. Louis reliever Julian Tavarez has given up three home runs in 91/3 postseason innings; he allowed one in 641/3 regular-season innings. ... Manny Ramirez 's 15-game postseason hitting streak ties the fourth longest in history. Hank Bauer and Derek Jeter each hit in 17 straight.
MISCELLANY: The weather forecast for tonight is not good, an 80 percent chance of rain all day and night. If there is a postponement, Game 3 would be Wednesday, Game 4 Thursday and a potential Game 5 on Friday's scheduled travel day. ... Martinez celebrated his 33rd birthday Monday in an unusual way: by taking batting practice. He has an .094 career average.
