Phil Coke could be a factor against David Ortiz
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Phil Coke delivers a pitch in the eighth inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners. (Sept. 17, 2013) Credit: AP
BOSTON -- It was hardly a season to remember for lefthanded reliever Phil Coke. The former Yankee, part of the three-team trade that brought Curtis Granderson to the Yankees before the 2010 season, appeared in 49 games, posted a 5.40 ERA and was demoted to Triple-A Toledo in August.
He was left off the ALDS roster because of elbow problems but was added to the ALCS roster primarily because of his success against one player: David Ortiz. He is 2-for-18 with one walk and four strikeouts against Coke.
Ortiz tortured the Rays in the Division Series, going 5-for-13 with two homers. He walked five times, contributing to a .556 OBP.
Tigers manager Jim Leyland, however, downplayed a general question about how big an impact the bullpens will play in this series.
"I think this will be a starting pitching series," Leyland said. "If our starters aren't good, we're not going to win this series, and probably the same for them."
"The strength of this team has been the depth of its roster," Farrell said. "There are going to be some matchups that we think are more favorable in one case or another. And we've had the utmost -- we've had complete confidence in every guy in our uniform. And they're going to be involved."
"We got exactly what we thought we were going to get," Leyland said. "He's done a terrific job. And I think this time of year, a lot of the veteran players [feel] a little older. [But] they get a new life, it's a new breath of fresh air. And I'm sure that's the way Torii is feeling right now."
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