I think Howie should have been pinch running there in the 10th.
-Howie’s a faster baserunner and is more likely to make the force out at second a closer play
-Howie’s done well against the Yankees in his short career

That said, Vlad getting a hit off of Rivera isn’t a small accomplishment, he was the only Angel to do it last night.
There’s no reason to bench Vlad, he probably just needs to be hitting lower in the batting order.

Wouldn’t want to over-look this gem amongst the numerous, more appropriate places to post it.

And more question marks, please. It’s unclear as to whether or not you are truly baffled.

not for vlad – pinch running is another topic (see Willits).

but yeah know, can’t bring a dead horse back to life by beating it. let’s focus on how to beat the yankees in games 3-7.

…(and that “Christhammer has spoken!” is goofy-annoying), but I thought the same thing as you. Scioscia replace Vlad with Howie in game 2 of the ALDS, and Howie then stole a base and scored the go-ahead run.
So why didn’t he insert Howie? I don’t know. It seemed like a logical move. Of course, it didn’t help that Morales grounded into a force-out. Howie would have been as out as Vlad. So…turn the page.

Vlad has come through in a pinch before and can do it again.

Don’t blame not running HK for Vlad as the reason we lost game 2. How about the Arsonist Fuentes trying to put a fastball on the outside part of the plate to A-Roid when it’s a known fact you have to pound him inside. If Fuentes does not groove that pitch, we win game 2 and are playing a game 7.