Bench Red Sox Shortshop Edgar Renteria

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that Terry "Tito" Francona, manager of the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox Baseball Club, bench shortstop Edgar Renteria (SS, #3) for the remainder of what could be another championship season and replace him at the position with Alex Cora (SS, #23).

As of their last team loss on September 19, 2005 (8-7 against Tampa Bay... Tampa Bay! for pete's sake!), Edgar Renteria has led the major leagues in fielding errors (as of that last loss-- 28! The most errors by a BoSox player in two decades), has exhibited lackadaisical fielding on numerous occasions, and just plain refuses to make diving plays, which are key to any shortstop's success. Nomar this guy ain't (or Orlando Cabrera for that matter), and his hitting is leaving quite a bit to be desired as well, though when he does hit he is capable of bringing in a few runs. This is the kind of player that needs a manager's attention, and with Alex Cora waiting in the wings for his chance to play and hit, we, the undersigned feel this is an obvious management decision to make as the post-season approaches and the Old Towne Team wrestles with the Bronx Bombers for 1st place in the division (especially with the bullpen in various levels of performance, none of it consistent).

We already have the sluggers (Manny and Olerud), a history making clutch hitter in Big Papi Ortiz, and a fantastic lead off man in Johnny Damon (a guy that really knows how to field a baseball, regardless of injury to self or ego), what we truly need right now a prime infield dynamo (who is also an RBI hitter), and Cora is it. Terry, with a 5 game lead reduced to 1/2 a game, do the right thing, as uncomfortable as it may be, and make Alex Cora the man at shortstop.