1026 replies to this topic

[Red Averages]

Ok, He sent Papelbon out for the 9th tonight after striking out the side in the 8th. I thought this was awful at the time. He has a ton of confidence after the 8th, let him keep it. You risk him losing it by sending him out there for the 9th. He is only a rookie, he needs that confidence after strugging in the pen before.

Then to make matters worse, Francona brings in Timlin over Myers to face Crawford. Ok, Timlin strikes out Crawford, but I would have gone with Myers.

Edited by Red Averages, 01 September 2005 - 08:36 PM.

[Comfortably Lomb]

He keeps bringing Timlin into ballgames with runners on base... which isn't good.

The reason you don't let Papelbon start the 9th is because if he does get in trouble the only choice you have left is to bring Timlin in with runners on base.

[Gambler7]

"The reason you don't let Papelbon start the 9th is because if he does get in trouble the only choice you have left is to bring Timlin in with runners on base."

So then who do you bring in?

Wasn't Papelbon the hot hand there? Struck out the side. Why not bring him back out? He was trying to finally give Timlin a day off. Crawford was 2/12 off timlin and Papelbon gave up a couple singles so he really then had no choice if he wanted to win the game.

I thought it was managed perfectly.

[Red Averages]

"The reason you don't let Papelbon start the 9th is because if he does get in trouble the only choice you have left is to bring Timlin in with runners on base."

So then who do you bring in?

Wasn't Papelbon the hot hand there? Struck out the side. Why not bring him back out? He was trying to finally give Timlin a day off. Crawford was 2/12 off timlin and Papelbon gave up a couple singles so he really then had no choice if he wanted to win the game.

I thought it was managed perfectly.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Papelbon threw 21 pitches in the 8th inning. You can bring in Chad Bradford for Gathright and Lugo and then Myers for Crawford if you want to preserve Timlin. Don't tell me they weren't avaliable either because they both warmed up.

[PedroKsBambino]

If you are going to use Timlin at all (he was warming up in the eighth) you might as well start the inning with him.

I have no opposition to the two-inning save, but I don't think it made sense here, so long as Timlin was available and being warmed (e.g. out tomorrow) either way.

If Timlin wasn't available and the options were Chadford/Myers or leaving Papelbon in, there's a much better case for leaving him in IMO

[HomeRunBaker]

He keeps bringing Timlin into ballgames with runners on base... which isn't good.

The reason you don't let Papelbon start the 9th is because if he does get in trouble the only choice you have left is to bring Timlin in with runners on base.

This has bothered me all year so i am finally asking.

Is there any evidence that Mike Timlin is bad specifically when he enters with runners on base or is this just a fluky thing since his overall peripherals are basically unchanged from previous years? Since Timlin has never before in his career had a problem with inherited runners i am thinking that the hits he is giving up with runners on base are more a product of random distribution which just so happens to occur when runners are on base more often this season as opposed to when they are empty.

If anyone can evidence to the contrary i will be more than willing to listen.

Edited by HomeRunBaker, 01 September 2005 - 09:03 PM.

[DieHard3]

This has bothered me all year so i am finally asking.

Is there any evidence that Mike Timlin is bad specifically when he enters with runners on base or is this just a fluky thing since his overall peripherals are basically unchanged from previous years?  Since Timlin has never before in his career had a problem with inherited runners i am thinking that the hits he is giving up with runners on base are more a product of random distribution which just so happens to occur when runners are on base more often this season as opposed to when they are empty.

If anyone can evidence to the contrary i will be more than willing to listen.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree completely with HRB here. Timlin has been tough as nails in previous years in tight situations. I don't think his inherited runners stat is worth much. Small sample size.

I liked leaving Papelbon out there to try to close it out. Shows they have a lot of confidence in him. He did struggle a bit for the last two hitters of the 8th though.

It's almost time to really give Terry and Theo credit for plucking Olerud out of retirement as well. He's having just a dream run here--the kind of mid-season veteran rejuvenation that the Yankees benefitted from regularly between '96 and '99. Score one for scouting.

[PedroKsBambino]

Is there any evidence that Mike Timlin is bad specifically when he enters with runners on base

I think it's a fluke, but there's arguably a slight upward trend with him on IR/S. Not one that I think is really significant or indicative of any skill issues, though, given the relative randomness of the metric and the strength of the other peripherals.

2001: 7-29 24%
2002: 12-32 38%
2003: 12-45 27%
2004: 22-52 42%
2005: 15-29 52%

I don't know that it's much of a skill, and I don't think it's a reason to not bring him into certain situations....so I think it's overplayed as an issue here. Keep in mind with the numbers that one or two extra runners scoring has a big effect on the percentage because it is such a small sample

[reggiecleveland]

Jp was struggling and he got bailes out at the end of the 8th when Hall ked swinging at a pitch that badly missed the target. I went to the store feeling we dodged a bit of a bullet with Pap, then I find out he gets sent out for the 8th. My initial reaction is to question it but we had another run, try it. I guess Tito needs somebody else to close one night. I actually like when Tito is a bit ballsy with a lead.

[philly sox fan]

I liked leaving him to try and finish it out. I think it's a copout that you build a young player's confidence by always taking him out before he has a chance to fail.

The Sox are going to need Papelbon (or someone) to step up. This was a nice spot to let him imo.

[soxfaninyankeeland]

I didn't mind Papelbon staying in at all. If he gets a 1-2-3 inning, or never has the tying run come to the plate, Francona saves Timlin his 794th appearance. If runners get on, which happened, you end up using Timlin in a game where the book says "Use Timlin" anyway.

[KBarbz50]

"The reason you don't let Papelbon start the 9th is because if he does get in trouble the only choice you have left is to bring Timlin in with runners on base."

So then who do you bring in?

Wasn't Papelbon the hot hand there? Struck out the side. Why not bring him back out? He was trying to finally give Timlin a day off. Crawford was 2/12 off timlin and Papelbon gave up a couple singles so he really then had no choice if he wanted to win the game.

I thought it was managed perfectly.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with this. The only problem I had was the pitch selection to Gathwright. He couldn't touch Papelbon's fast ball and he threw him a bad splitter. Lugo is a good hitter who did a good job going the opposite way. I had no problem with Papelbon coming back for the ninth, nor did I have a problem with Timlin coming in after the two singles. He is, after all, the closer now.

[loscy]

I liked bringing Papelbon back out for the 9th. My main reason is that Tito has to find out what Papelbon can do. It's the 9th, the crowd is screaming. Can Papelbon deliver? The only way to find out is to try him. I'd like to see him forget about the splitter until next year though.

[The Gray Eagle]

Everyone who has criticized Francona this year for managing the bullpen by the book and for taking out pitchers who are getting outs needs to step up here and defend him for sticking with a young pitcher who was getting outs and not automatically bringing in the closer at the start of the inning.

[Noah]

The whole Timlin with runners on thing is overblown for two reasons:

1) As previously mentioned, he has no history of this problem, and he has otherwise been great, so it's probably a fluke

2) And beyond that, does it even make sense to point out inherited runner statistics as a general principle? Why would a pitcher inherently have more trouble with someone else's baserunners than he would with his own?

[NickEsasky7]

While we're on the subject of Tito's bullpen usage/misusage, I'd like to register my complaint with his usage of Timlin last night. Totally unnecessary. Wake had retired 16 in a row, had thrown "just" 102 pitches, and had the Rays baffled. While the game was obviously within reach, and despite his attempt at proactivity, there was no reason for Terry to waste another arm, let alone that of his 39-year old bullpen anchor, especially considering his workload of late(and the entire bullpen's for that matter).

[Noah]

Yeah. I've never been in favor of using the relief ace in a three-run game in the ninth. It isn't very high-leverage at all, despite the fact that it's the ever-holy "save situation."

It might make sense to even make a concerted effort to limit Timlin's innings this month, since chances are we're gonna have to lean on him heavily in the playoffs. But on the other hand, a lot of relievers thrive on a lot of work, and Timlin, age be damned, has been as durable as durable can be his whole career really.

[LahoudOrBillyC]

Everyone who has criticized Francona this year for managing the bullpen by the book and for taking out pitchers who are getting outs needs to step up here and defend him for sticking with a young pitcher who was getting outs and not automatically bringing in the closer at the start of the inning.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As one of the critics, I will stick up for Francona. I called for him leave Pap in in the game thread. I thought a 3-run lead against the D-Rays was the time to show a little confidence. A couple of singles should not hurt him too much, but I was glad Francona went to Timlin when he did.

[Arock78]

Is there any evidence that Mike Timlin is bad specifically when he enters with runners on base or is this just a fluky thing since his overall peripherals are basically unchanged from previous years?

Beat me to it.

[absintheofmalaise]

I liked leaving him to try and finish it out. I think it's a copout that you build a young player's confidence by always taking him out before he has a chance to fail.

I've never understood how you build up someone's confidence by showing no confidence in his abilities. And sure, the book says to go with your closer here, but Papelbon had just had an excellent inning. With Foulke still an uncertainty you do need to rest Timlin.

[15'sCementShoes]

While we're on the subject of Tito's bullpen usage/misusage, I'd like to register my complaint with his usage of Timlin last night.  Totally unnecessary.  Wake had retired 16 in a row, had thrown "just" 102 pitches, and had the Rays baffled.  While the game was obviously within reach, and despite his attempt at proactivity, there was no reason for Terry to waste another arm, let alone that of his 39-year old bullpen anchor, especially considering his workload of late(and the entire bullpen's for that matter).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have no problem w/ Tito using Timlin in the 9th. Wake had already given up three HR's and while he did pitch well he is always capable of giving up the longball(29 HR's this year). Same with using him last night w/ Arroyo. Let's hope that we have a ton of offense tonight and good outing from Lenny.

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

While I was at first puzzled by the decision to have Pap start the ninth, in retrospect I can see the thought process.

No matter what we'd like to believe, a 3 run lead in the 9th inning is not really a hig-lev situation. Considering the way Pap had pitched in the 8th, despite the control issues, he certainly looked overwhelming to the TB batters. Bringing him out in the 9th certainly makes sense when looked at in that regard. The pitch Gathright hit for a single was a splitter that didn't sink, the first splitter Pap threw all night.

It was a chance to see if they could avoid using Timlin last night. It didn't work out; Timlin had to come in anyway (and did the job).

[jtn46]

I think what Francona did was fine. It wasn't the only thing he could do, but getting a win was important. Giving Papelbon the 8th was the gutsy move though, giving him the 9th wasn't quite a no brainer, but I can't imagine it was a difficult move for him to make. The kid struck out the side throwing nothing but fastballs. He may have lost the plate a little, but as long as he threw strikes with his fastball, it didn't look like anyone was going to hit anything off of him. Once someone did hit his fastball, Francona got him out.

[Rudy Pemberton]

No matter what we'd like to believe, a 3 run lead in the 9th inning is not really a hig-lev situation.

I guess this is true (although I seem to recall Sox relievers giving up 3 runs in an inning once or twice) but one would think that a 3 run lead with 2 runners on and nobody out is getting closer to hi-lev. I didn't get to see the game, but have no problem whatsoever with Papelbon starting the ninth. Of course, I could also understand starting the inning with Timlin. Getting three outs from your closer with nobody out / on is considerably less stressful than bringing him in mid-inning, one would think. The opportunity to see Papelbon in that situation outweighs that, though (at least in this situation- against the Yankees, with a 1 game lead, on the road..probably not).

[HomeRunBaker]

Francona is trying to give Timlin proper rest but he isnt getting too much cooperation from the bullpen. The other night it was Alvarez who couldn't close out a big lead and last night he made the clear correct call in trying to get Papelbon to finish it out without having to use Timlin.

The problem with not going to your closer with a 3-run lead to start the 9th is that you have to warm him up anyway when the gap from closer to set-up man is so great as it is with our bullpen right now. After two batters you have the tying run at the plate and as Rudy pointed out before the purge you have Timlin making more stressful pitches to get those three outs rather than allowing him to take care of business in a lower leverage situation to begin the inning.


EDIT: Damnit, Rudy said it again today.......do you not think anyone listens to you?

Edited by HomeRunBaker, 02 September 2005 - 08:02 AM.

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

Francona is trying to give Timlin proper rest but he isnt getting too much cooperation from the bullpen.  The other night it was Alvarez who couldn't close out a big lead and last night he made the clear correct call in trying to get Papelbon to finish it out without having to use Timlin. 

The problem with not going to your closer with a 3-run lead to start the 9th is that you have to warm him up anyway when the gap from closer to set-up man is so great as it is with our bullpen right now.    After two batters you have the tying run at the plate and as Rudy pointed out before the purge you have Timlin making more stressful pitches to get those three outs rather than allowing him to take care of business in a lower leverage situation to begin the inning.
EDIT: Damnit, Rudy said it again today.......do you not think anyone listens to you? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's definitely a risk-reward situation. The risk is of course that you'll have to use your closer anyway and the situation may be much tighter. But considering the Sox have 30 games in a row with no days off, and considering the usage that Timlin's gotten recently, I think trying to get another inning out of Papelbon last night, against a very mediocre team with a 3 run lead, isn't a bad idea at all.

It's didn't work out, and Timlin had to be brought in. Fortunately he did the job. But the idea of at least trying to do something different in that situation is a good one, IMHO.

Edited by Smiling Joe Hesketh, 02 September 2005 - 08:04 AM.

[Rudy Pemberton]

EDIT: Damnit, Rudy said it again today.......do you not think anyone listens to you? 

You don't get to 10K posts by saying things once.

[Zupcic Fan]

I'd like to echo the point made about that pitch selection. I thought the leadoff hitter in the ninth could have gone the rest of his life and he would not have hit Papelbon's fastball. Why try to sneak in the breaking pitch.

I'm still pissed off about the pitch the Braves threw to Leyritz.

One of the beauties of Mariano is that he doesn't have to worry about that stuff. Here's my pitch. Try to hit it.
Papelbon looked a bit that way to me last night---especially to the leadoff number 9 hitter in the ninth. I know he has to work on the breaking pitch, but not in that spot. Strange pitch selection in my opnion.

Not a big criticism. Just a bit confusing.

Edited by Zupcic Fan, 02 September 2005 - 09:01 AM.

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

I'd like to echo the point made about that  pitch selection. I thought the leadoff hitter in the ninth could have gone the rest of his life and he would not have hit Papelbon's fastball. Why try to sneak in the breaking pitch.

I'm still pissed off about the pitch the Braves threw to Leyritz.

One of the beauties of Mariano is that he doesn't have to worry about that stuff. Here's my pitch. Try to hit it.
Papelbon looked a bit that way to me last night---especially to the leadoff number 9 hitter in the ninth.  I know he has to work on the breaking pitch, but not in that spot.  Strange pitch selection in my opnion.

Not a big criticism. Just a bit confusing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He's a rookie. The splitter is a new pitch to him. He'll learn how and when to throw it, IMHO.

[Tudor Fever]

He's a rookie. The splitter is a new pitch to him. He'll learn how and when to throw it, IMHO.

I thought Varitek's proven veteran leadership and intangibles and ability to "call a great game" were supposed to prevent stuff like this from happening.

And I agree with your basic point, SJH, it was good to see Tito not reflexively bring Timlin in to start the 9th just because the situation barely met the technical definition of a save situation.

Edited by Tudor Fever, 02 September 2005 - 09:38 AM.

[NickEsasky7]

[QUOTE]it was good to see Tito not reflexively bring Timlin in to start the 9th just because the situation barely met the technical definition of a save situation[QUOTE]

Unfortunately, he did reflexively bring in Timlin to relieve Wake start the ninth the night before, and in doing so added another unnecessary inning to the workload of a 39 year old who happens to be the best pitcher in the Sox bullpen. There just comes a point where you have to trust someone other than Timlin with a three run lead. Otherwise, you run the risk of him dragging ass come the end of September/early October.

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

Unfortunately, he did reflexively bring in Timlin to relieve Wake start the ninth the night before, and in doing so added another unnecessary inning to the workload of a 39 year old who happens to be the best pitcher in the Sox bullpen.  There just comes a point where you have to trust someone other than Timlin with a three run lead.  Otherwise, you run the risk of him dragging ass come the end of September/early October.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The night before, it was a 2 run lead. A little bit more justified in bringing in Timlin at that point.

[Tudor Fever]

Well, over on the other board Lahoud said that Tito could be dangerous if provided the Perisho Tool, and I opined that Tito would not be foolish enough to use Perisho in a meaningful situation. Point Lahoud.

[Steve Dillard]

When did Remlinger shave off the goatee?

[Shea Hillenbagwell]

I'm not sure why 4 pitchers were used in the seventh inning. All 4 faced either 1 or 2 batters.

Edited by iluvremy, 02 September 2005 - 08:39 PM.

[jkempa]

I'm not sure why 4 pitchers were used in the seventh inning.  All 4 faced either 1 or 2 batters.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think Paul M made a point about Francona "getting in touch with his inner LaRussa," when rosters expand. This is probably something that we're going to see a lot of over the next few weeks, especially given the lack of a go-to guy in the bullpen. When you have this bullpen, I guess you need to take advantage of every possible matchup you can.

[DieHard3]

I have been a very big Francona supporter, however, he managed the bullpen tongiht as if he were playing out the string with a playoff spot locked up.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Or as if the ratings for the final three games of the season were more important than clinching a playoff spot before them.

That performance was absolutely inexcusable. Inexcusable. You do not hold open tryouts in the 7th inning of a 4-3 ballgame.

And this has nothing to do with Francona, but neither Lenny DiNardo nor Matt Perisho belong on a major league roster.

[ManilaSoxFAN]

Or as if the ratings for the final three games of the season were more important than clinching a playoff spot before them.

That performance was absolutely inexcusable.  Inexcusable.  You do not hold open tryouts in the 7th inning of a 4-3 ballgame. 

And this has nothing to do with Francona, but neither Lenny DiNardo nor Matt Perisho belong on a major league roster.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't feel that strongly about the following counter-points, but here they are:

1. Those relievers gave up runs, yes...but we never scored again anyway.

2. Gotta run out those relievers sooner or later...and low-lev is OK, but maybe not as revealing. After all, Tito has to make some decisions pretty soon.

3. DiNardo's line tonight -- 6 IP, 1 ER (1 cheapie HR), 6 Ks, 1 BB, 64 od 91 pitches were strikes. That's pretty God-like around these here parts...

4. Perisho? Pass.

[DieHard3]

I don't feel that strongly about the following counter-points, but here they are:

1. Those relievers gave up runs, yes...but we never scored again anyway.

2. Gotta run out those relievers sooner or later...and low-lev is OK, but maybe not as revealing. After all, Tito has to make some decisions pretty soon.

3. DiNardo's line tonight -- 6 IP, 1 ER (1 cheapie HR), 6 Ks, 1 BB, 64 od 91 pitches were strikes. That's pretty God-like around these here parts...

4. Perisho? Pass.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I didn't realize the runs were unearned. O.k., maybe DiNardo is going to be one of those, "I don't understand how he gets guys out" types.

Put I disagree with 2. There is no need for Chad Harville or Matt Perisho to pitch. Ever. Let alone in a close game before we clinch the second best record in the AL and are officially eliminated from the best record. They are a minimum of 13th and 14th (perhaps 15th and 16th counting Delcarman and Sanchez) on the depth chart of what for 5 months is an 11 man pitching staff. Maybe Harville deserves to be higher, but even then it has to Harville to Myers

[behindthepen]

Last night was surreal. taking out DiNardo with 91 pitches, after retiring 7 in a row, 4 with strikeouts?
Then those 4 relievers, including Foulke only facing 2 batters. a real head-scratcher.

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

I missed the game last night. The Globe indicated that Harville looked pretty good, throwing between 90-94.

Perisho I don't need to know about, but what about Foulke? Anyone got observations on him?

As for Tito running guys out there, my guess it he wanted to find out as soon as possible what he had to work with. But as I didn't see the game, I'm probably missing some context.

[OCD SS]

Put I disagree with 2.  There is no need for Chad Harville or Matt Perisho to pitch.  Ever...  Maybe Harville deserves to be higher, but even then it has to Harville to Myers

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm not going to comment on Perisho, but I think Harville is sort of interesting. Given his history he could be the sort of guy that steps up and realizes the potential that's been projected for him. And given the dearth of go-to guys in the pen, I'd like to see him get a decent chance. He's young and shows some fair instincts (he did a nice job feilding that bunt and getting the man at second).

Of all the Sept. call ups so far I think he probably has the best chance to stick in the Pen. He could just as easily flame out, but I'm glad to see a glimmer of potential.

But, then again, I'll reach for anything where our pen is concerned at this point.

[HomeRunBaker]

Last night was surreal. taking out DiNardo with 91 pitches, after retiring 7 in a row, 4 with strikeouts?
Then those 4 relievers, including Foulke only facing 2 batters. a real head-scratcher.

DiNardo has not pitched more than 3 innings in any appearance (boston or pawtucket) over the past 3 weeks. Prior to that he had consecutive 6-inning starts while facing just 22 batters (pawsox boxes dont have pitchcounts) in each game which was likely also right around the 91 pitch mark. There was a real good chance that he was just about spent or reached a point where he has been removed in his Pawtucket starts. I have no problem going to fresh arms once DiNardo had given us more than you can ask with 91 pitches under the circumstances.

Edited by HomeRunBaker, 03 September 2005 - 09:00 AM.

[hytem]

I missed the game last night. The Globe indicated that Harville looked pretty good, throwing between 90-94.

Perisho I don't need to know about, but what about Foulke? Anyone got observations on him?

As for Tito running guys out there, my guess it he wanted to find out as soon as possible what he had to work with. But as I didn't see the game, I'm probably missing some context.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Red Sox team pitching stats are just about the worst in baseball.
Somebody in that front office should take a look at the philosophy of running
3-4 pitchers a game out there from the BP--even when you don't have to.

You take Dinardo (or any other starter) out when he gets into trouble--
not when the pitch counter tells you to. Never anticipate...

[Comfortably Lomb]

The Red Sox team pitching stats are just about the worst in baseball.
Somebody in that front office should take a look at the philosophy of running
3-4 pitchers a game out there from the BP--even when you don't have to.

You take Dinardo (or any other starter) out when he gets into trouble--
not when the pitch counter tells you to. Never anticipate...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Do you even watch baseball? Have you seen what Dusty Baker has done to his staffs in San Francisco and Chicago? How about Tony La Rusa in Saint Louis? They both love to throw their starters as long as possible and as a result they've seriously damaged a number of high profile pitchers. Kerry Wood is certainly no better off for having run into Dusty and neither is Mark Prior. Zambrano is current in the middle of a season where he's one of the most stressed pitchers in baseball.

The Red Sox try to get between 95-110 pitches out of their starters most nights and then go to the bullpen. If you don't do this then by the end of the year your starting pitchers are going to be fatigued for the stretch run and the playoffs. That is, so long as their not freaks of nature like Randy Johnson, but nobody can really call any one of our pitchers one of the best of the generation. We don't have that kind of a horse. Period.

The whole pitching staff is a problem right now. Aside from David Wells (and only to a certain extent) the rotation is as big a problem as the bullpen since they're both flaky from front to back. And still, if Schilling and Foulke were healthy this year you wouldn't be wigging out over the Red Sox's philosophy of trying to protect their pitchers from injury.

Edit - Stop writing in prose or whatever that formatually challenged garbage you keep writing in is termed.

Edited by Comfortably Lomb, 05 September 2005 - 09:35 AM.

[Rough Carrigan]

Well, hytem. You got your wish. Down 4-0 going into the 7th inning and with a fresh and crowded bullpen, Tito let Schilling work his way up to 117 pitches.

I remember that last year, someone posted numbers showing that G38's starts after 115+ pitch outings were clearly a bit worse than his others. And nobody but Timlin, Clement and Wells had pitched since Friday.

I think sometimes the lack of needing to pinch hit forcing extra pitching changes in the AL leads to managers making less than optimal uses of their staffs.

[biollante]

What about having Kapler batting when Olerud and company were on the bench ?

The hunches may be wearing out.

[PedroSpecialK]

What about having Kapler batting when Olerud and company were on the bench ?

The hunches may be wearing out.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This was one move that I absolutely hated. I was listening on the radio, and was wondering where the hell Olerud was. Just a terrible call in my opinion.

[Eric Van]

This was one move that I absolutely hated. I was listening on the radio, and was wondering where the hell Olerud was. Just a terrible call in my opinion.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

At the moment Kapler stepped to the plate, LHB were hitting .108 / .195 / .216 off of Jenks and RHB were hitting .302 / .383 / .415, including a wall 2B and 3-run bomb to the last two RH batters. Olerud's not had a lot of success in what is not an easy role. It was the correct (non-)move.