Are you sure it matters?

by user C.Bothe

So most of the promos for the all-star game have some mention as to how it matters again this year. My question is does it really? The NL was down by 1 run with the bases loaded and 2 outs in the 9th. Up to the plate comes Aaron Rowand who is a good hitter, but on the bench Albert Pujols is sitting there having not played waiting to come in. How are you going for the win if Rowand is hitting instead of Pujols. I didn't understand not putting Pujols up for Hudson but Hudson walked so I guess it worked. 

Pujols vs K-Rod wouldve been a great matchup for the fans to see with homefield advantage in the World Series on the line. Yet we didn't get to see it instead we saw a weak pop up by a hitter who is not near Pujols in terms of ability at the plate. Any reasonable to good manager would have put Pujols in and gone for the win, but not LaRussa, nope hes to smart for us. This situation and decision make me wonder; does it really matter?

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KelsdadAll-Star

873 days ago

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The NL had used all their outfielders, if Pujols hits for Rowand and ties the game, who plays CF next inning?

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RomiezzoLegend

873 days ago

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Pujols has played left field before hasn't he? I know, he hasn't played for a while, but if the game is on the line, you might not have had the choice, and the NL paid for it the hard way..

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C.BotheWaterboy

873 days ago

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If you watched the broadcast on Fox, LaRussa said Pujols may play 2b or ss, he'll put him anywhere, the point is if it really matters you go for the win not the well we may tie and be screwed.

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RomiezzoLegend

873 days ago

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WOW!! I never thought of that. Great point. I was listening to what Sutcliffe and Thorne said about it and Sutcliffe told the people that La Russa wanted to put Pujols in but Pujols said "No, I want to have the young players to get the chance to play in the all-star game." It's not that they didn't need him, but I guess La Russa and Pujols thought that Rowand was due. Otherwise, Rowand would've definitely been pulled out.

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KelsdadAll-Star

873 days ago

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If LaRussa put Pujols in leftfield and he pulls a hammy chasing a ball, the Cardinals season is over, Pujols season would be too, and LaRussa would be unemployed.

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C.BotheWaterboy

873 days ago

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If Paplebon threw out his arm first pitch redsox lose their closer...If Griffey broke his hand hustling for a ball in the of Reds season may be over...Verlander injures his wrist walking into the dugout Tigers season may be over. Lots of stuff can happen in the Game its the risks everyone takes, LaRussa was selfish and showed why even if the game "matters" it really means absolutly nothing.

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Niteowl049AAA-er

872 days ago

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Pujols has played left field and Soriano has played center field so could have switched but the logical thing would have been to take out Lee sooner and let Pujols play first base the last couple of innings. Regardless LaRussa goofed up big time but not using Pujols sooner.

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Niteowl049AAA-er

872 days ago

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I thought the whole point was winning the game not catering to Pujol's wishes. Now the NL team in World Series will have to suffer not having the homefield advantage. LaRussa could have let everyone play sooner and let Lee stay in game too long when he could have used Young and Pujols at first an inning each.

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Seven Kinds of SmokePee Wee

872 days ago

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In any game that "counts," Pujols is up there. Nuff said.

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Anonymous Fanatic #1

872 days ago

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Larussa was extremely selfish. Now I see why the Cardinals lost that first world series so easily. As manager, you must be able not to nurse grudges against a player and hurt the whole paying audience as well as the NL team. This time the NL were not losers. Larussa lost. You go for the win. Pujols gets a base hit -- the NL WINS, not ties. The bases were loaded. It throws into question whether Larussa was more worried that Pujols would've been MVP, would've got the accolades and the hybrid car, the trophe, etc.

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