The Hiller Instinct: Candidates as Red Sox players

With the crowd roaring, the candidates for President and Vice-President take the stage in a race to the White House...

But what if? What if the pennant and presidential races suddenly merged into one? Which Red Sox players would the candidates be?

Begin with Barack Obama, who's currently the leader in the White House World Series.  Obama is already a star, but still a rookie. He's young, good looking and obviously talented. Are you starting to see Jacoby Ellsbury?

Like Obama, Ellsbury is graceful in the field...but he's also had some slumps, just as Obama did in the primaries. So, is he a hall of famer or a shooting star who will flame out? We're still not sure.

"As much as it is a vote for who I believe is the best candidate, it's by far and away a vote for who I think is clearly the best human being for the job," Curt Schilling said.

No, Schilling is not talking about himself. He's talking about John McCain, whom he's endorsed for president.

Both are experienced veterans who've been around a long time. Both have given blood to their nation: McCain to the United States during Vietnam...Schilling to Red Sox Nation in the 2004 World Series.

In the 2008 series, McCain is pulling for the Sox:  "I still kind of like the Red Sox. I have a sentimental favorite, look. And I think that they're going to do well now that my Diamondbacks have blown it," McCain said.

Remember this man? Joe Biden has become the forgotten candidate in this race...virtually lost among the brighter stars surrounding him--just like Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield.

Both Wakefield and Biden are taken for granted. At a campaign event this week, Biden wasn't even called by his own name:

"Please help me today in welcoming the next Vice President of the United States, John McCain..."

Sarah Palin is an original, a one-of-a kind candidate who shakes things up and radiates excitement, just like Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon. When Papelbon comes in from the bullpen, fans know they're going to get plenty of passion and showmanship...plus pitching

And it's the same with Palin...who generates super-charged emotion along with her pitch.  "The American people know John McCain. They know he's the maverick. And that's what our opponents are afraid of most," she said.

I hope you're thinking, "Wait, there's a big difference: the Red Sox play a game, the White House isn't a game.  Sometimes I'm not sure.

I'm Andy Hiller & that's my instinct.

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