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April 16, 2006
Doug Padilla: Lackey's tall order
John Lackey found himself in the No. 3 spot of the Angels lineup late in Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles because of some defensive maneuvers. Juan Rivera originally entered Sunday's game as the designated hitter in place of an injured Tim Salmon. Rivera was then asked to play right field for Vladimir Guerrero in the eighth inning. Since the DH was removed, the pitcher had to take a spot in the order and Lackey inherited Guerrero's slot. Lackey never had to hit, though, and was ultimately replaced on the mound by Francisco Rodriguez in the ninth inning.
"It's been since JuCo that I hit third," Lackey said with a laugh, recalling his days at Grayson County College in Denison, Texas in 1999. That team won the Junior College World Series.
Lackey certainly was a legitimate No. 3 hitter. He batted .428 that year with 15 home runs and 81 RBI. He even had eight hits in the World Series with two home runs and seven RBI.
Posted by Doug Padilla at April 16, 2006 03:46 PM