A: Roberto Petigine

Q: Who is the only person in Red Sox Nation unhappy with the play the team is getting from its first basemen?

We know one thing for sure: Manager Terry Francona is very happy with the play he’s getting from John Olerud and Kevin Millar. Millar rode an eight-game hitting streak into this weekend’s series at Yankee Stadium, going 10-for-28 in that span. After hitting .231 in his first 44 games this season, he’s gone 77-for-252 since (.306) before the weekend. More importantly, he had hit five home runs in the last 14 games before the weekend. That, after four homers in the first 107 games he played in this year.

The power numbers are important, because the Red Sox aren’t paying him to slap singles. The only reason Millar is still seeing any time is because he can do damage at Fenway Park. The former Sea Dog has hit .286 and averaged 22 homers with 85 RBs in two seasons with the Sox.

John Olerud arrived in May, as Millar was bottoming out. He was activated over Memorial Day weekend as the Sox were in New York, and jumped out to a 15-for-37 start. He was swinging the bat like he did in 1993 when he hit .363. And his defense? This three-time Gold Glover can still pick it with the best of them.

Sox fans immediately began the call for Olerud to play every day. And why not? Millar was struggling, and Olerud rode in on his horse and helped the Sox take two of three in the Bronx that first weekend. Millar was gracious at the time, saying “this team is better with Kevin Millar and John Olerud on the roster than it is with just Kevin Millar.”

Red Sox Nation wasn’t as gracious. Everyone wanted Olerud out there every day.

Everyone but Francona, that is. He continued to play Millar often – even against right-handed pitching. Francona kept saying Millar would come around, and would help this team before too long.

t’s taken awhile, but Millar is now hitting the ball well. And the Red Sox are better with both men playing first base. Francona has used both, and will continue to as long as this edition of the Sox keeps playing. He won’t let on how he’ll use each man, and it’s hard to figure. Millar faces lefties and hard-throwing righties, but he also plays when you least expect it, like Friday night at Yankee Stadium against Aaron Small.

Chances are, the Red Sox will have a new first baseman. Paul Konerko is a free agent, and would look pretty good in the heart of the Sox order. There’s still a good chance Manny will be with another team next season if the Sox can work a trade. Konerko could take his place behind David Ortiz.

Right now, however, next year is a long ways away. The Sox are three weeks away from the finish line of this marathon. Most of Francona’s moves have been right, at least at first base. And while we know Roberto Petigine won’t be getting much playing time, it will be interesting to watch just who does.

Lewiston native Tom Caron is a studio host for Boston Red Sox telecasts on NESN.