How is it that every time big fat Russ Ortiz is on the mound, everybody hits like an all-star, but when Wandy or Roy start we look like the girls in For Love of the Game.
Speaking of For Love of the Game.
Uncanny.
I realize that Zombrano is a decent pitcher, but come on, one run? If you're in sniffing distance of first place, why can we not squeeze out a single run in regulation to close the gap. Especially when playing the first place team in the NL Central. Never mind the fact that we have one of the most dominant, under the radar bullpens in the game.
They all must have glass arms as well, because god forbid they go more than two innings.
Hypothetical. You're the manager of team made up of mostly old players, picked up on the cheap, but your bullpen is excellent, with three guys pitching under a 3.00 era, and you're in a clutch situation that requires extensive pen work.
Do you:
A) Let your middle relief go and try to work out of a jam.
B) Keep your guys on a short leash but play small ball to eak out some runs
C) Panic and yank every reliever at the first sign of trouble, while your team of geriatrics tries desperately to keep pace with a streaking Cubs team.
If you answered C, congratulations, you're Cecil Cooper.
The worst part of this game was when we ran out of relief and had to turn to Chris Sampson, who, despite his decent record, gives up plenty of runs. Luckily, it was only the thirteenth inning of a tie ballgame, so it's ok to put out a guy who's not a fireballer.
I can only imagine that when they had the bases loaded and no one in the pen, Cecil felt just like Ellen Ripley after she couldn't shut down the base's self destruct sequence.
(Cecil in space, Newt is Chris Coste)
I realize that Zombrano is a decent pitcher, but come on, one run? If you're in sniffing distance of first place, why can we not squeeze out a single run in regulation to close the gap. Especially when playing the first place team in the NL Central. Never mind the fact that we have one of the most dominant, under the radar bullpens in the game.
They all must have glass arms as well, because god forbid they go more than two innings.
Hypothetical. You're the manager of team made up of mostly old players, picked up on the cheap, but your bullpen is excellent, with three guys pitching under a 3.00 era, and you're in a clutch situation that requires extensive pen work.
Do you:
A) Let your middle relief go and try to work out of a jam.
B) Keep your guys on a short leash but play small ball to eak out some runs
C) Panic and yank every reliever at the first sign of trouble, while your team of geriatrics tries desperately to keep pace with a streaking Cubs team.
If you answered C, congratulations, you're Cecil Cooper.
The worst part of this game was when we ran out of relief and had to turn to Chris Sampson, who, despite his decent record, gives up plenty of runs. Luckily, it was only the thirteenth inning of a tie ballgame, so it's ok to put out a guy who's not a fireballer.
I can only imagine that when they had the bases loaded and no one in the pen, Cecil felt just like Ellen Ripley after she couldn't shut down the base's self destruct sequence.
(Cecil in space, Newt is Chris Coste)
dear kyle,
ReplyDeleteyou are the most insightful sports blogger ever. Also, i hate the rangers.
Love, david and chopdick