Critiquing the Playoff Managers: Day Two
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by user Timothy Moreland(Bball3345)
Throughout the MLB playoffs, I am going to look back at each game and highlight some of the key strategic moves that were or were not made. Obviously, I have the benefit of already knowing the outcome; however, my opinions will be presented as if I did not know the outcome.
Here is the link to Day One.
Oakland Athletics @ Minnesota Twins
Bottom of the Ninth: Huston Street replaces Justin Duchscherer
Oakland reliever Duchscherer pitched the seventh and eighth innings, retiring six in a row. Going into the bottom of the ninth, the A’s had a 5-2 lead. Closer Huston Street had pitched in Game One, but Macha brought him in to protect the three-run lead.
If I were the manager
I would have brought in Chad Gaudin instead of Street. Gaudin is more than capable of holding a three-run lead. Street had pitched in Game One, so pitching him in back-to-back games means he should not be used in Game Three. I would have saved my bullpen ace, Street, for another day when he may be needed more.
Los Angeles Dodgers @ New York Mets
Top of the Second: Jeff Kent and J.D. Drew are thrown out at the plate
This one goes out to the third base coach, instead of the manager. With Kent on second, Drew on first, and no outs, Russell Martin sent a liner to deep right. Shawn Green fielded the ball and threw to the plate. Kent was gunned down easily at home, but Drew followed in behind him. Lo Duca applied the tag to Drew for the second out at the plate on the same play.
If I were the manager
I would fire the third base coach. Okay, maybe that is an overreaction, but how could he not stop both, if not one, of the runners from being thrown out? Kent was out rather easily, but I can see sending him, as the ball did hit the wall. Drew, however, looked as if he was headed straight for home behind Kent. The third base coach should have held him up. Drew was probably taking things into his own hands when he saw Lo Duca not looking, but someone should have done something to hold him back. I mean, they went from a possible bases loaded situation with no outs to one man on first and two outs.
Unfortunately, the Yankees and Tigers came was postponed, but I had to watch House anyways. As always, feel free to disagree.
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Date
Thu 10/05/06, 5:14 am EST
