Giants Mull Their DH Options for World Series

Oct. 28, 2010GIANTS PAGEGIANTS VIDEO

SANFRANCISCO (AP) The lack of a designated hitter in the first two gamesof the World Series already has wreaked havoc with the Texas Rangers'lineup, with cleanup hitter Vladimir Guerrero not starting Game 2 onThursday night.When the World Series moves to Texasthis weekend, San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy will be the onewith decisions to make.Bochy said he will talk with hiscoaches about his designated hitter options on the flight to Texas.While left fielder Pat Burrell would appear to be a prime optionbecause he is one of San Francisco's best hitters and often is removedfor defense late in games, Bochy said he's not inclined to go thatdirection because of his struggles as a DH in Tampa Bay."If a guy is not comfortable doingsomething, you don't want him in that position," Bochy said. "That'spart of our job putting a player in that position where he'scomfortable and can succeed."Burrell has a .209 career average in160 games as a designated hitter, leading to his release by the Raysearlier this season. Burrell has said he's willing to do whatever he'sasked but it's clear he is more comfortable in the outfield.Other options include playing TravisIshikawa at first base and moving Aubrey Huff to designated hitter orusing Pablo Sandoval as his DH. Ishikawa also could just DH, based onhis success as a pinch hitter. Bochy said he likely would use multipleoptions for the three games in Texas.Huff has extensive DH experience fromhis time in the American League, having batted .278 with 69 homers and240 RBIs in 401 games."That's up to Boch," Huff said. "He'snailed the lineups all postseason. Every time he's put somethingtogether it's worked out. Obviously I'm comfortable DHing. I've done itfor a long time. ... I don't care where I am. We have one goal as ateam and that's to win the World Series."

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