Cardinals finish with best record in the NL.
- Thread starter DesotoCountyDawg
- Start date
As happy as I am that we get home field for the playoffs and that we avoid LAD in the NLDS, I'm livid with the way Matheny managed today.
The benefits of playing the PIT/CIN wildcard winner were GIGANTIC, as both teams would be throwing their ace on Tuesday (meaning that ace would only get to throw once in the NLDS at most). With the way the Cardinals hit Liriano this year, it should've been priority number 1 to win today, so that the game next Thursday was against the wildcard winner.
Benching Holiday? Starting Yadi and then pulling him before the game for Cruz so he can get a standing O (and rendering him useless as pinch hitter)? Starting Westbrook instead of Kelly (whom would be able to pitcher the 2nd game of the NLDS on regular rest regardless of pitch count today)? I'm baffled at how this game was managed.
The benefits of playing the PIT/CIN wildcard winner were GIGANTIC, as both teams would be throwing their ace on Tuesday (meaning that ace would only get to throw once in the NLDS at most). With the way the Cardinals hit Liriano this year, it should've been priority number 1 to win today, so that the game next Thursday was against the wildcard winner.
Benching Holiday? Starting Yadi and then pulling him before the game for Cruz so he can get a standing O (and rendering him useless as pinch hitter)? Starting Westbrook instead of Kelly (whom would be able to pitcher the 2nd game of the NLDS on regular rest regardless of pitch count today)? I'm baffled at how this game was managed.
The players wanted to let Westbrook pitch one last time (hes not going to be put on the postseason roster and his option is not going to be picked up for next year) and Kelly yielded the first inning to let him start the game.
Was granting those players' wishes more important than securing home-field advantage for a WS run? I don't think it is.
At first I questioned it all too but I think you have to give the benefit of the doubt to the manager. Holliday coulda came in and PH for us. If Westbrook would've gotten in trouble I think he'd pull him. And we already know Wayno is gonna pitch thurs so no real concern in Kelly or anyone being unavailable. But I DO NOT want Mujica on the 25 man. Dude has been getting smashed.
Mujica would be fine in a set-up role. They could also have him to help on lefties. His change up is very effective against them. I think he will be fine with rest. Give the closer duty to Rosenthal.
They won. Is it possible for you to make a post without whining about something?
That's what I thought.
Exactly.
What Matheny did today didn't amount to a hill of beans in regard to the standings.
What a fan can't measure is what King of effect decisions of this type have in the clubhouse,
17 all you redbird fans. I'm sure if my Braves are lucky enough to get past the Dodgers you butt rashes will ruin a great season put together in ATL. yeah, I'm still stinging from the stupid infield fly rule last year.
So in advance....eat ****.
So in advance....eat ****.