Let's examine why Scioscia took out Lackey
by Trooper86 on Oct 23, 2009 1:41 AM PDT
122 comments
I actually supported Mike Scioscia's decision to Remove John Lackey at the time he was removed from the game, although I'll admit to cursing him a few moments later. However, here is why I think Scioscia made that move and why I originally agreed with the move.
1. The tying Yankees runner is at the plate and he is a slugger - Mark Teixeira.
2. In his first two at bats it seemed Tex's bat had woken up. He hit a single in his first at bat and his second was a hard shot to deep left field. It appeared Tex was getting comfortable batting from the left side and I think Scioscia wanted to throw off Tex's mojo.
3. Tex's history against Lackey - .388 average.
4. Scioscia wanted to take away Tex's power by putting in a lefty. Tex (a switch hitter) hit only 9 homers batting on the right side but had 30 batting on the left. Putting in Darren Oliver would force Tex to his weak side thus limiting the damage to a single or double.
5. Oliver has been lights out in the post season for the Angels, pitching 6 shutout innings.
6. Lackey (especially when he was a rookie) was not effective when he lost his cool. They had to keep on him about focusing on the batter and not worrying about any bad calls etc. He clearly lost his temper at the ump so his composure and control was shaky at best. His pace and rhythm was all messed up too. He just didn't look like the calm, cool, in control Lackey anymore.
7. With 100% rain forecast for Saturday in New York, Scioscia may have wanted to save his arm as much as possible for a possible Game 7 appearance.
Bottom line is that I think Scioscia felt Oliver could get an out then they'd have just 6 more outs to game 6. And the whole bullpen was available.
So honestly, did you agree with the decision at the moment he took him out? It's easy to Monday morning quarterback. It was a tough call but the main thing on my mind was "Dude, we cannot allow a home run here!"
This Fan-Post is authored by an independent fan. Tell us what you think and how you feel.
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Did not at all agree with the desision. He is throwing a shutout. He is our BEST pitcher.
Why all of a suddenly trust the bullpen? We have all seen the season.
It was ridiculous and proved itself to be so. Ask my friend who was here how I reacted at the pitching change. I went Ape shit.
by Big Bad, 'Vlad'! on Oct 23, 2009 1:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
"He is our best pitcher"
He is our best starter. But he’d thrown 100 pitches. He was getting emotional. Everyone in the lineup had seen him three times. At that point? He’s not our best pitcher any more.
I feel the need, the need...for speed!
by Gorbachav5 on Oct 23, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmmm, so then who was our best pitcher at that point?
Certainly wasn’t Oliver, or Jepson. Could have been Weaver, but he wasn’t up yet. Definitely not Fuentes. So really, who was our best pitcher?
by Big Bad, 'Vlad'! on Oct 23, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It WAS Oliver...
But, Teix was ready.
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Oct 23, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree.
Lackey looked GREAT that inning, sans double (melky i believe?).
His stuff was SPOT ON, and when his shit is on, its on.
No reason to be pulled, he’s handled Tex before, and he would have done it again. Oliver will never have as good as stuff as Lackey, even if big john has tossed 100 plus.
Bad move,…turn the page.
What do you need a fancy suit for, Charlie, you ain't got no job to wear it to.
by clover_black on Oct 23, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was howling in disagreement
And was stunned but not surprised with the double served up by Oliver.
I was a repeat of Gene Mauch 1986 and I was saddened.
And I felt like there would be a taint on Scioscia over it for years to come with the only defense being that we were down 3 games to 1 when it happened anyway. I felt bad that his legacy would be tarnished.
I am glad we came back – more than words can convey.
That said, no way Lackey re-signs.
by Rev Halofan on Oct 23, 2009 2:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Lackey re-signs
because we are going to the World Series !
When I'm not at the stadium, I'd rather be watching my Halos back in Costa Rica!
by Dono Romantico on Oct 23, 2009 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was surprised, and stunned
And was stunned but not surprised with the double served up by Oliver.
I was surprised, and a bit stunned (believe it was the first pitch no less).
not only did Oliver lead the team in ERA this season (by guys not named Adenhart or Kazmir), he has not given up anything in the postseason either. yes I remember games where he got lit up during the regular season, but that was not weighing heavy on my mind. I figured if he did not have his best stuff, there would be a little bit of warning… but nope. so that was the part that hit me.
Scosc had him on a short leash and got Weav in to finish what Lackey started that inning, which was the right thing. I was actually more upset that Weaver didn’t start the 9th than upset Lackey got pulled.
Lackey had 110 pitches was it? his control was definitely starting to wane and I’m sure Butcher saw something he’d seen many times before and called it. I might have let him face the next batter but that’s it. keep in mind Weaver in a (not completely) similar situation got yanked in the 5th.
"This is a guy who is a combination of great courage and, nuts!"- Steve Physioc
by Brian S (brianguy) on Oct 23, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Re: I was actually more upset that Weaver didn’t start the 9th
Remember, Weave has to start Game 7. This outing was essentially replacing his buillpen session… they didn’t want him to go too long.
Angels baseball. We do what we must, because we can -- HaloDutch
by red floyd on Oct 23, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but in a bullpen session you throw more pitches than Weave did in 8th
The other thing is that there was no tomorrow. If they hadn’t of won Weaver exertion or lack of it would have been a moot point. In elimination games everything is different. You could argue that they needed to win 3 games and would be right, but you have to take it one step at a time.
by Jack Frost on Oct 23, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
Rev, first time ever, I think we have been in agreement. What is sad is the lost of Adenhart and now Lackey leaves, our pitching gets thinner.
At game 4, we discussed how Lackey threw at Texas for sticking up for Vlad and the team the year before. ALso, Kinsler hit two bombs the day before.
Lackey to me is one of the top 10 pitchers in MLB and we may not see the playoffs for a very long time,when Lackey leaves.
Unreal move my the so called best manager in baseball. He backed that up by pulling Weaver after a great 1-2-3 8th in a darn ELimination game.
by Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS on Oct 23, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We won didn't we.
Soth, and the rest of the Angels Management, built this franchise as a team. From the lowest rookie to the top tier All-Star Major League player. They know how it really plays.
The way I look at the decision is Soth wanted the team to win this game, and extend the season. Not have the ACE lose it by himself. True Lackey could have straightened out his emotions. Soth would have left him in if John didn’t show the pain in his face. But he did what he should have done. Which was bring in his best option for the team win.
Do you all really think that Mike was worrying about the off season free agent market situation while making that decision? If he was, wouldn’t it have been in the teams best interest that he goes to the backstop first, and ask “the Player Agent” what type of consequences that any move will have on the teams chances in the coming seasons.
What was the worst case scenario that could have happened to John Lackey if he was left in the game?
How would John Lackey react if that scenario came to be?
With John Lackey being a big emotional part of the team make up. How would the team respond to the outcome of that scenario?
If John can’t stop them, who will?
Putting Oliver in there takes the emotional sinkhole out of the equation. If Darren fails. The team rallies for the team, for Darren, for Big John Lackey from Abilene, and for the whole Halosphere.
True John’s a challenger, but there is no more Angels baseball this season if he fails.
Soth was not thinking of the off-season when he made that move. Angels manager Mike Scioscia was thinking of this season.
by eyespy on Oct 23, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree.
that was the last straw for Lackey. He has been upset at Sciosia before with his pulls for inferior bullpen members but this was his game to win or lose not the gas can journeyman THE METS didn’t need
Jerry and Omar assclowns for life
by Ghost of seven in a row on Oct 23, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was (marginally) the right move...
…I thought Lackey was:
1. Unhinged by that blown strike call to Posada – he was still fuming and lacking focus
2. Showing signs of fatigue – I know he can go 120+ pitches, but he ws beginning to spread it about a bit, his control was going awry
3. Not the best candidate to get that one out – as stated above, 1 out needed thn 6 outs to go – I’d put money on Oliver pulling through there almost every time (almost probably, in hindsight, being the critical word here)
Having said that – I felt bad for Lackey. He’d earned the right to go out on his shield, especially bearing in mind the number of starts he’s likely to have for us between now and the end of his career, and even if he had given up a hit, there’s no way they’re as hard hit as those balls from Oliver, Jepsen…
I see red people
by The Limey on Oct 23, 2009 2:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah
when Lackey is down (meaning he’s running on fumes and just starting to lose his control or best stuff a little bit, which is usually right around 105-110 pitches), it seems like the bad ball-strike calls are the one real thing that can send him over that tipping point mentally. unfortunately, if you have an ump which tightens up his strike zone in the late innings like last night, there’s nothing more he can do for us.
from there, he just seems to walk guys repeatedly until Sosh’s head explodes…
"This is a guy who is a combination of great courage and, nuts!"- Steve Physioc
by Brian S (brianguy) on Oct 23, 2009 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not keep him in?
He’d already recorded 3 outs in the inning…might as well let him get the 4th, too.
by Caseys Kiss of Death on Oct 23, 2009 2:45 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
great point
and Lackey gives up the ding dong a bit more, plus the lefty thing (which I don’t care about near as much as your average manager).
I don’t know Teixeira’s BA vs. Oliver, but at least it was a double not a HR, if Sosh only wanted to only have Oliver to pitch to one batter and it didn’t work out he could have gone with Weaver right there (though I know for a fact Weaver wasn’t ready b/c I was sitting right behind the pen).
hey we got outta there with a “W”.
"This is a guy who is a combination of great courage and, nuts!"- Steve Physioc
by Brian S (brianguy) on Oct 23, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's what I wonder....
With runners on base and when you want to change your pitcher but he isn’t warm yet… Why don’t more managers do what Girardi did in the 8th and call for a marathon of throws to a base until the pitcher is warm? My gut feeling is that it is an unsportsmanlike move, and totally lame ….. but is that the whole reason? And is it a valid reason? MLB could always make another rule next year if it becomes the problem it has the potential to be.
I don’t know. I want to know what you all think.
It could happen! Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.
by AlanFalcon on Oct 23, 2009 8:11 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I supported Mike's call to the bullpen 100%
Thought it was right move with Teix’s gaudy numbers against Lackey, and his hitting better from the left. Hindsight always 20-20, but it really should have never been an issue if we get that strike call.
If Oliver strikes out Teix, Scioscia is a genius. You have to trust your bullpen when your pitcher is getting squeezed and is past the 100 pitch point.
RIP #34
by linkbruin on Oct 23, 2009 3:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
and if he left in Lackey
and a GS…OMG Sosh would be killed…even more.
by figgifig on Oct 23, 2009 3:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm thinking the same
I heard that angle on the radio as I pulled into work this morning and couldn’t agree more.
"This is a guy who is a combination of great courage and, nuts!"- Steve Physioc
by Brian S (brianguy) on Oct 23, 2009 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's always the starter's game in that situation
Lackey had taken the team that far without letting a run score, so as long as his pitch count is reasonable, which it was, it’s his game to win or lose. He started the mess, let him get out of it. He got squeezed and he got angry, but he made a pitch to Damon to get the pop up.
No way you then bring in a cold reliever off the bench to pitch with the bases loaded. If it takes him a few pitches to figure out his stuff, it could be too late. Unfortunately, Oliver served up a hanging curveball with the first pitch, and then Scioscia made the problem worse by walking A-Rod.
I think it was poor decision, but it can at least be defended. The intentional walk to A-Rod in the ninth can’t be defended, though. The Angels dodged a bullet both times. That’s the great thing about offense, it makes all these questions irrelevant. Here’s hoping for more of it this weekend.
by Suboptimal on Oct 23, 2009 4:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
so AR*D is not clutch all of a sudden?
I agree w/walking Bonds and him
by figgifig on Oct 23, 2009 4:30 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
We've been watching ARod at his peak.
I predict that this is his finest time, and he’ll never be quite the same again.
We’re watching history. It’s right to be cautious.
by wumbug on Oct 23, 2009 6:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One more possible reason to have removed Lackey...
…is to have him available for a couple of innings on Sunday.
by sothball on Oct 23, 2009 5:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i dont think
leaving him in for 1 more out would have any effect on that though.
by dr-awkward on Oct 23, 2009 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anybody else remember how Lackey
has a tendency to sail along smoothly for four, five, or six innings before totally imploding?
He did it at least twice this season. Reminded me of the way he was three or four years ago when Bud Black was having to nurse him through these growing pains.
by wumbug on Oct 23, 2009 6:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This.
Lackey has notorious throughout his career for having the liability of the “middle inning meltdown”. Here he was, at the upper end of his normal athletic output (pitch count), in trouble with the ump, in trouble with his own emotions, and had just loaded the bases while getting only one out. The guy coming to the plate is as good, if not better, at calling balls/strikes than the ump.
We have seen this movie before. Multiple times. It doesn’t turn out any better with Lackey left on the mound.
(That said, that blown strike call to Posada was huge. Talk about one call have a growing leverage as he game goes on! But, in fairness, if you go back and look at Posada’s AB those first two called strikes could easily be argued by the Yankees as well.)
You too can be a baseball media analyst! Just don't allow your need to be wrong in public to get in the way of your ignorance.
by Stirrups on Oct 23, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had'em out....
versus Damon to be honest.
It looked to me after the non call on Posada, Lackey lost his composure on a walk to Jeter. You could see he was bothered.
It didn’t work, and hindsight is always 20/20.
But gotta play the percentages…..Oliver has been quite good this year.
by eastcoastAngel on Oct 23, 2009 6:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
a few other things...
Oliver isn’t coming into the game “cold”. That’s ridiculous.
He’s a relief pitcher, that’s his job.
And someone said above, Lackey, as good as he is, has a tendency to just lose it. We’ve seen it.
This in no way compares to Mauch in 1986. Not even close when he removed Mike Witt.
by eastcoastAngel on Oct 23, 2009 6:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It's the type of decision Scoscia is paid to make
It’s a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” scenario. If Lackey stays in and “the traitor” gets on base – everyone is pissed. If he takes him out and the bullpen screws up, everyone is pissed. The blame here goes to Oliver. He pitched poorly last night. If he does his job, this message thread does not even exist.
Through the good and the bad, I trust Scoscia. He’s not infallible, but there’s literally no one I’d rather have making that decision last night than Scoscia.
by mustard_man on Oct 23, 2009 6:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh!........and screw
Mitch Williams, Joe Magrane, and Aaron Boone!
by wumbug on Oct 23, 2009 6:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Granted it's a really small sample size
But Tex had reached base 4 out of 6 times against Oliver. If the Angels had some shutdown lefty then I agree with it, and I absolutely love Oliver, but I wanted Lackey in the game at that point. In September I trusted Jepsen, Oliver and Bulger. Now I don’t trust any of them…..
I said in the game thread, the next two games. I’d start Saunders in game 6 with Santana and Kazmir being able to pitch a few innings a piece. In Game 7 you could start Weaver with Lackey, Santana and Kazmir available depending on who didn’t pitch the previous night.
Now if there is a rainout, I’d throw Saunders with Weaver, Kaz, Santana to follow in Game 6 and pitch Lackey on 3 days rest with EVERYONE available obviously.
by MH252525 on Oct 23, 2009 6:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree completely with the pitching strategy at this point in the season.
The key thing being: EVERYONE is available.
What that means is this: Scioscia, who I generaly trust implicitly, and being a great manager, must have a few conversations with his starters, the guys who basically got the Halos to this point. And he has to find out how they feel about coming in off the bench. He can use the starters out of the pen one of two ways, either bring them in to start an inning, if they don’t feel comfortable enough coming on with runners already in scoring position, or if they feel they can definitely handle it without working their way into the situation, you bring them in late in ANY situation called for to get the key outs.
This is not just another game in summer. It’s a due or die game. MUST WIN. And all pitchers available means ALL PITCHERS AVAILABLE. And if somebody doesn’t like it, well that’s just too bad.
Rank the Angel pitching staff guy by guy, and tell me where Oliver and Fuentes rank compared to all of our starters. Why’d the manager bring Weaver in to pitch the 8th again? Oh yeah, because all pitchers are available. He should have left Weave in for the 9th too, but perhaps he was thinking he wanted to preserve him as much as possible for game 7. But you have to get to game 7 first.
My thinking for game 6 is you start Saunders, and if he pitches well, if it’s a quality start, you ride him as long as you can, and then you go to Ervin to finish. FINISH, not pull him for Jepsen or Fuentes. Saunders to Ervin. None of this BS about matchups. Starting pitchers go 100 pitches and they dont care whether its a righty or lefty, I’d trust Ervin or Kaz before anyone in our pen right now.
And game 7, if there is one, should be Weaver and Lackey, if there’s a rainout tomorrow and Lackey could have 3 days rest he should be the closer in game 7. Is there any doubt? If Weave can go 6 solid and throw 100 pitches, you give it to big John and ask him to finish in that scenario.
In a postseason, due or die situation you manage differently. Cmon coach Mike: Do it!
by goodvibe61 on Oct 23, 2009 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mean I agree with YOUR view on the pitching strategy MH.
The best pitchers on the staff should be the ones in these special situations that we use.
It would be different if we were up 2 games to 0, or 3 games to 1. But, when you’re facing elimination, things take on a completely different complexion.
I mean, Fuentes was a train wreck out there last night. He was completely gripping. I am completely convinced that some time next season the guy will not be closing games for us. He might still be on the staff, but not as the closer.
I would rely on Saunders and Ervin in game 6, and Weaver and Lackey in game 7.
by goodvibe61 on Oct 23, 2009 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Momentum will trump stats any day of the week
Any momentum that we had left the game in the top of the seventh with a guy named Lackey. One of the worst moves of Scioscia’s career. (I’m not “Monday Morning” this, I called it before Scioscia even hit the top step.) Lackey was completely dialed in. He might have been a little gassed to start the inning, but after he struck out Pussada and got hosed by Culbreth behind the plate, you could see the fire light up. He was ready to close it out and he said so. You have to go with your veteran pitcher there, he knows what he is saying when he has that kind of conviction in his eyes. Oliver had a dead arm at the gate, you could see it as he walked in. Bad, bad move. Winning Game Five 4-0 or 7-0 would have meant huge momentum. Instead, you have the Halos limping in to NY with everyone questioning their ability to hold things together and with Fuentes shakier than Audery Hepurn standing in a canoe. We had momentum by the purse strings and now we just have a purse, red, ladies with 1986 fringe on it. I hope Chuck Norris is on the plane out to NY with the boys or someone with some nads to get them up!
by JustS on Oct 23, 2009 7:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Chuck Norris counted to infinity. Twice.
by snowhor on Oct 23, 2009 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com/
Angels baseball. We do what we must, because we can -- HaloDutch
by red floyd on Oct 23, 2009 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
as much as I like the Chuck Norris meme
I kinda wonder if half of these facts don’t also apply to “The Most Interesting Man in the World” from those beer commercials…
then again I think Chuck Norris facts came first, so, good for him.
and if the Angels’ plane was low on fuel, I have confidence Chuck Norris could just urinate into one of the fuel tanks and they’d get there without having to stop, no problem!
"This is a guy who is a combination of great courage and, nuts!"- Steve Physioc
by Brian S (brianguy) on Oct 23, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Norris meme...
transferred to Orioles catching prospect Matt Wieters this year on BBTF and I haven’t laughed harder in a long time. Just shuffling it to a baseball player made it absolutely hilarious.
RIP Nick...
Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home
by jimmuscomp on Oct 23, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For you computer geeks,
There’s also a similar meme about cryptography guru Bruce Schneier.
Angels baseball. We do what we must, because we can -- HaloDutch
by red floyd on Oct 23, 2009 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Be careful. I don't think Chuck Norris would react too kindly to others stealing this.
You know, there is no chin under Chuck’s beard. Just another fist.
by snowhor on Oct 23, 2009 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have always felt that the MIMITW was a blatent ripoff of the Chuck Norris joke which is
why I have never been a big fan of the commercials.
by MrBungle on Oct 23, 2009 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Almost my thoughts to a "T" JustS
I was at the Game and I carried on a long conversation with the gentleman sitting behind me about why he should LEAVE LACKEY in! Lackey only had 100 pitches at the time (which for him is not alot), and my thinking was that I wanted Lackey to at least face Tex and A-Rod before we went to the pen. I said all this BEFORE the Teixera hit, so I too am not second guessing here. Although Oliver has pitched well this postseason, Lackey is your ACE and in a situation like that I think you want to sink or swim with your best. In addition, Oliver usually survives with guile. He often does it with smoke and mirror. He is a saavy vet, but he certainly can’t blow people away. If you are looking for his off-speed stuff (which he throws predominantly) and he get’s one up, then look out. I think this is what happened with Tex. I’ve always felt that in the playoffs you need to have bullpen guys who can blow the opponent away with heat. This is why I was hoping so much that we would have gotten HEATH BELL.
I must admit that I also DID NOT want to bring Fuentes in in the 9th. I wanted Sosh to go with Weaver and said that loudly many times to my company. Ultimately, Fuentes survived, but I can’t help but feel that if Weave had been in there we wouldn’t have had near heart-attacks on the way to victory.
by Jack Frost on Oct 23, 2009 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a good point
I was really hoping for a shutout because that can put a team in an offensive funk. The Yankees now feel they can run up the score at any time. Bummer, but I still agree with Scioscia’s decision. I guess Oliver was due to get hosed and it came at the wrong time.
by Trooper86 on Oct 23, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m just really happy that Mike’s call to take Lackey out worked out. I’m sure it was a tough call but if Mike didn’t take him out and we lose he would be blamed. So it worked out – and I’m not going to second guess this call.
by angelsfan777 on Oct 23, 2009 8:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with both pitching moves
Tex had almost gone deep on Lackey on his previous at bat. Oliver has been lights out and Tex is just ordinary from the right side. I don’t think it is right to second guess just because the play does not go your way. Who’s to say Tex would not have hit a slam against Lackey? Then all of us here would have said why not bring in Oliver.
by bearnut on Oct 23, 2009 8:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Damned if does, damned if doesn't
Damn, he took him out!! Just glad we turned it around
by Angelitos on Oct 23, 2009 9:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I KNOW...
as a Juan Rivera fan, I’ve been pissed this series. and his previous at-bat was BRUTAL. I told the guy sitting behind me who was chatting with the whole time, that’s a daytime homer!! (it bounced right in front of us, on the middle of the warning track). that’s exactly what he needed to get out of his funk
and pretty disappointed there was no Figgins squeeze play in the 8th. what was he thinking having “.073 Figgins” swinging away with 1 out and a guy on 3rd vs. Mariano Rivera. wtf? he fouled one off and the other two didn’t even come close. predictably.
"This is a guy who is a combination of great courage and, nuts!"- Steve Physioc
by Brian S (brianguy) on Oct 23, 2009 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm Not MIKE SCIOSCIA
But I wonder if he was playing the “odds” card vs. going with his GUT, and we know he carries one around. My gut may not be that LARGE but it was screaming “LET HIM FINISH THE INNING”.
When I'm not at the stadium, I'd rather be watching my Halos back in Costa Rica!
by Dono Romantico on Oct 23, 2009 9:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Looks like mistakes were made on both sides...
“If he is around 105 pitches, it’s probably a different story,” Girardi said. “But because his pitch count was low and he felt great we stuck with him.”
So Girardi let Burnett’s low pitch count (80) influence him more than the righty’s history to squander good fortune.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/girardi_gaffes_let_angels_rally_kmYu3e6fDYOtOuu0NXwblO
The obsession with pitch counts continues I guess. I’m never one to question Sosh, but if I had a guy he was pounding the strike zone and that adamant about staying in the game, I would have left him in.
God needed a starter. RIP #34
by 3rd Echelon on Oct 23, 2009 10:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It was the right decision
1. Teix hits better from the left side of the plate. D.O. would turn him around to bat from the right side.
2. Lackey was tiring after 100 pitches, evidenced by him walking the bases loaded just one batter earlier.
3. He was emotional over that blown call, which has never boded well for him.
4. Lackey had an ERA 1 whole run worse than Oliver during the season.
The “he had a shutout” and “he’s our best pitcher” arguments are meaningless in light of all the other evidence.
I feel the need, the need...for speed!
by Gorbachav5 on Oct 23, 2009 10:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And may I add.
The "he had a shutout" and "he’s our best pitcher" arguments are meaningless in light of all the other evidence.
This is a “TEAM” game, and Soth run’s the “TEAM”.
Maybe pulling Lackey keeps him in Angels red. It just might get John some extra cash no matter what.
Does the team even have a captain?
by eyespy on Oct 23, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unofficially...
I’m going with Torii
This team is our extended family, That's why we love them no matter what the record, no matter what the score.
by halofan4life on Oct 23, 2009 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to go with the feel of the game. I could tell that Lackey was bothered by walking Jeter with four pitches, but seemed to compose himself. I think Scioscia micro manages way too much. Lackey still had good stuff and didn’t seemed tired
by JaySo on Oct 23, 2009 10:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
micro-manages as in walking Torii Hunter to let Vlad Guerrerro hit?
muhaahaha…..
Do it for Nick '09
by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Oct 23, 2009 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
plus 1000
or what ever you do on this site, as a former player and coach, I 100 percent agree and my biggest complaint over he past years. He was a player, why does he micro manage?
Im wondering when Bud Black left, is this when our top pitchers were managed by head d and not by heart or gut?
by Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS on Oct 23, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you but didnt at the time...
When he pulled Lackey I actually slammed my hard fist into the nearest table. Lackey was killing it all night. With a four run lead, you throw the book out the window and go with your gut. At the time, mine said stay with Lackey.
However, considering everything, DO has been lights out and turning Teix around is a smart move. Just didnt work out like he had planned…at all!
Do it for Nick '09
by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Oct 23, 2009 10:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't like the move for one reason...
and that is we were still shutting them out. Let the guy at least attempt to finish the inning. Worst case the score is tied and you can then make an educated decision when the score is 4-4.
The Jeter at bat was pretty telling though. Lackey was clearly rattled and basically just threw away that at-bat. Not exactly professional.
by Nashdiesel on Oct 23, 2009 10:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
6. Empirical data shows that each time a pitcher goes through a lineup his performance gets worse. Lackey had turned over the lineup multiple times and was over 100 pitches. It was time for him to exit.
Tired Lackey < Fresh Darren Oliver.
vr, Xei
by Xeifrank on Oct 23, 2009 11:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry to push this, but ...
you should be posting it V/r, or v/r at the least. vr means virtual reality, if anything.
by eyespy on Oct 23, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Virginal Regards
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Oct 23, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure wasnt the case with AJ
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 23, 2009 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trust Your Ace
100 percent in an elimination game and still up by 4 Trust your ACE. Lackey is by far my favorite player and I love his fight and grit.
I feel, last night shut and sealed the door of Lackey coming back to the ANgels. Weaver will be next.
Season on the line, in survival mode and hanging by a thread, you don’t take the ball from your best pitcher.
by Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS on Oct 23, 2009 11:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why not, when it gives you a better chance to win? Lackey is our best starting pitcher, but at that point in time, having thrown 100+ pitches and having seen everyone in the Yankees lineup 3 times, he was NOT our best pitcher. Who cares that he’s our Ace? How far do you take this? What if he had thrown 150 pitches and just walked the bases loaded? Nope, he’s our ace, leave him in. That’s absurd!
Bringing in Oliver gave the Angels the best chance to win. It just didn’t work out.
I feel the need, the need...for speed!
by Gorbachav5 on Oct 23, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
how far
how far? u wait till Lackey gives up a run or two, then u make the move. Plain and simple, who is a better pitcher. What makes me laugh today is the so called experts asking did Sosh think it was 2007 and he had a great bullpen? Heard that on The Herd this mornng and ESPN baseball tonight last night.
Lackey cant get Tex, or the following batter, then you take him out.
Rick Sutcliff, earlier this year said he felt stronger and had more control when he was late in the game. Some managers are taking pitch counts to another level.
by Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS on Oct 23, 2009 12:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What a horrendous move
If he was looking tired and losing control, why not bring in Oliver against Johnny Damon — who Lackey looked great against, by the way. The only mistake he made that inning was the walk after his would-be Posada strikeout, and that mistake does not constitute a breakdown.
Has anyone asked John what he muttered through his towel at Scioscia in the dugout after the Teixeira double? I’m assuming it was somewhere along the lines of “have fun without me next year, dickhead.”
by Brooklyn's Lone Halo Fan on Oct 23, 2009 12:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I have to ask you guys this!
I personally think that Fuentes is the worst closer in baseball. Does he not scare the shit out of you guys every time he comes in? He truly sucks and for the Angels to go any further in this series or the world series they cannot afford to let Fuentes pitch in any close games.
Was Fuentes ever very good during the beginning of his career?
by maitino on Oct 23, 2009 12:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He apologized to him mom after the game
LOL, he said his mom is always riding him about the shaky finishes.
by Trooper86 on Oct 23, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Worst closer in baseball?
how about Matt Capps, Kerry Wood, Brad Lidge, Bobby Jenks, Mike MacDougal, Kevin Gregg, Jose Valverde, Leo Nunez, David Aardsma. It might not mean that much to you but he was an all star this year. This is the playoffs and we are playing the Yankees.
They want power, We want respect...
by SenorChuckles on Oct 23, 2009 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jenks? Jenks is a very good closer.
by Jack Frost on Oct 23, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was listing the closers that I wouldnt take over Fuentes.
Jenks was not that great this year but above average.
They want power, We want respect...
by SenorChuckles on Oct 23, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With the exception of Lidge none of those are playoff teams......
Lidge has been solid as a rock this postseason allowing just 1 hit in 4 inning
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 23, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't stand to see Fuentes come into any game.
Every time I see hime come out of the bullpen, I know there is a good possibility that the game could be over. Fuentes could really mess things up for us in this series. Personally, I have no faith in him.
by maitino on Oct 23, 2009 12:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Every time I see a team's closer come in to a game, I feel like the game will still be over.
It could happen! Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.
by AlanFalcon on Oct 23, 2009 8:23 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Silly iPhone. SOON be over, not STILL be over.
It could happen! Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.
by AlanFalcon on Oct 23, 2009 8:23 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
The odds are in the Favor that it will be over when they start the inning
But Rivera is one of the best ever and he is old school. Guy shoved it again with runners on
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 23, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was at the game, and supported the decision
I, along with everyone around me in the stands, was at the brink of cursing soth for NOT pulling big john after the 4 pitch walk. he’s our best pitcher, and definitely our best pressure pitcher, but it seemed like he had completely lost his cool. just because the decision didn’t work out does NOT make it the wrong decision.
by jkup85 on Oct 23, 2009 1:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Seems like alot of Lackey supporter were at the game
I was watching the game at home on TV. Lackey was clearly falling apart, FOX was zooming in on his face and he fidgety and imploding. There’s a saying from Viking warriors (not Minnesota Vikings) that you cannot ever show the enemy what you are feeling. Batters know they have you when you look like you’re falling apart on the mound. That’s why batters feared pitchers like Catfish Hunter, who no matter what the situation he stared the batters down and looked like he was going to kick your ass. If Lackey had stayed cool and composed Scios may have given him Tex.
by Trooper86 on Oct 23, 2009 1:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You make good points
but I still don’t like the decision. Leave him in for Tex. If he gives up a hit to Tex, THEN take him out.
I really believe that was Mike Scioscia’s worst managing decision ever
RIP Nick. We will miss you!
by KingF15h on Oct 23, 2009 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Worst decision? I don't know about that.
How about calling the suicide squeeze with Aybar last year in Boston when anyone and his brother , and especially Francona could see it coming from a mile away.
Or going with Frosty for months when the guy continued to suck and suck more.
Like many here I definitely disagreed with that decision, but as for being his worst ever, well I couldn’t say that. Honestly, I thought that not bringing Weaver back for the 9th was just as bad or even worse than the Lackey move.
I actually have alot of respect for Scioscia as a manager and think he is one of the best in all of baseball. But this assessment is due primarily to the way he fosters team unity and manages the clubhouse more than his in game managing. I actually think there are many managers who are better at in game stuff; LaRussa, Leland etc. and maybe even Pinella. I still wouldn’t want the over Sosh , because Sosh’s genius lies in the CULTURE he has created and the fact that he has instilled a winning attitude, and I don’t know that any of those other guys I listed could have done it as well as he has.
by Jack Frost on Oct 23, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
decisions
I was confused by it. If you were going to remove him for Tex, why did he even pitch to Damon. Once he got Damon I felt he should have stayed in. Does make one thing obvious. We need a second lefty in the bullpen for that kind of situation.
by Baylorsgroove on Oct 23, 2009 2:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
my comical .02c
when Lackey walked Jeter, it was clear he didnt have control and I was at the game calling for a pitching change.
After Oliver came in and gave up the double to Tex, I was like why the fuck did he take out our ACE in that position.
I would be a terrible manager.
The team really saved Sosh on this one!
This team showed alot of NUTS…
R.I.P. Nick, you are missed!
by P237 on Oct 23, 2009 3:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It's funny that we're complaining about Sosh micromanaging
But when he didn’t play the matchups earlier in the series, as he did here (whole reason to take Lackey out), we gave up a solo shot to Arod in the bottom of the 9th of game 2.
I hope we always play to win and not to protect out starting pitcher’s contracts. (Big John is favorite angel fwiw)
RIP #34
by linkbruin on Oct 23, 2009 4:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Stick with the horse
I was one that sat there wondering why oh why was he taking out Lackey. I have read through most of the post here but not all and I was telling the wife this is 86 all over again with the manager pulling the best starter before he should.
Most of the post I have read about how the wheels had fallen off the cart once he didn’t get the strike called on Jorge….i agree to some extent, but Butcher came out to try to calm that. A lot of people here seem to forget that Lackey got Damon to fly out to shallow LF for out #2 with the bases loaded. Locked in now! Once again just another reason you leave Lackey in because now he has refocused and knows he still has the shutout going. With that bulldog approach that Lackey has I want him on the mound with my season hanging in the balance. Bottom line is if Lackey is a #1 (he is) then I am going to live and die with him in that situation. Hell the worst case is he gives up a 4 bagger and the game is tied. I am going to make them score before I push the eject button on the teams Big Gun!
If he was going to bring in Oliver why not against the left hand hitting Damon? Ill tell you a few reason why….first Oliver doesn’t have swing and miss stuff (more of a reason he shouldn’t have been facing Tex) and because Damon is 12-36 against Oliver. On the other hand Damon is hitting .212 in 34AB’s against Weaver so why not Weaver while Tex is hitting .261 against Weaver. I would have taken Weaver if I had a gun to my head and knew he was a guy that was available.
I lean towards the side that says that Lakey will not be back for another season this was the straw that broke the camels back with him (dont think Abreu being offered a contract before him helped either)
For those that heard him interviewed after the game he was asked how long did it take him to get over being taken out his reply was “To be honest I am still not over it”. One would think that after a big game like that he might say something to the effect of " Bottom line is we got the win and thats what matters most……" Good luck John just dont sign with an American League team………
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 23, 2009 8:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bottom line is if Lackey is a #1 (he is) then I am going to live and die with him in that situation. Hell the worst case is he gives up a 4 bagger and the game is tied. I am going to make them score before I push the eject button on the teams Big Gun!
by Funke5ive on Oct 23, 2009 9:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Grand slam
I’ve heard a couple times “worst case scenario is Lackey serves up a grand slam so the game will still be ties 4-4.” Do you really want that with the Yankees bullpen, grinding through another long extra inning game with two more victories to go in New York?
Worst case scenario with Lackey = Grand Slam, score 4-4.
Worst case scenario with Oliver = double, score 4-2 or 4-3.
Also remember Scios managed Tex last year and he knows his weaknesses well. I’m sure Scios was frustrated many times last year when an opposing manager would turn Tex around in a crucial situation.
by Trooper86 on Oct 23, 2009 10:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
actually...you may be on to something...
We know tex…he was on our team last year.
and tex knows john…
besides the .388 avg beforehand
by figgifig on Oct 23, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
6-4 after six and a half
Worst case scenario was they scored 6 runs with 2 outs and lackey out of the game. Might want to rethink your worst case scenario
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 24, 2009 12:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was referring to pitching to Tex only
You are a manager and you have to get Tex out to end the inning – Oliver or Lackey? What’s the worst that can happen in that at bat? Making Tex turn around takes his power away so the most damage will be a double with Oliver. Sorry I didn’t spell that out, but I thought it was common sense.
by Trooper86 on Oct 24, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well after they laid the egg last night
and allowed 3 runs after scoring 6 in the top of the inning sure just dont bring in Rivera. That guy was not far behind once they took the lead
Your argument is soft
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 24, 2009 12:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Worst case scenario at the time of the change.
And how would the rest of the team react after a GS, and a blow up, from Lackey. As opposed to Darren Oliver doing the same thing.
Lackey, being the backbone of the team, would have torn out the hearts of his teammates if he melted down in the tunnel back to the clubhouse after serving up one to Teix. But if Ollie had done so. He would have taken the pressure himself, and the rest including Lackey would rally around for the win.
by eyespy on Oct 24, 2009 1:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your so off base
Doesn’t matter who is on the mound when the melt down starts its a fact that the team would be looking at starting the inning up by 4 now they are chasing 2. Who gives a rats azz who is on when the melt down starts. At least you know your best guy was on the hill when it happened. Instead your left wondering why the hell skip took the best guy out needing just 1 more out ..a guy that has pitched himself out of many tough jams .kind of like he did when he allowed the 1st two guys to reach in the first and Tex at bat. Would have been huge had he melted then as well.
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 24, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your so right
Guess you have no kids, or never coached a team before. Otherwise you would have noticed that when the leader goes down hard the rest will follow. But if it is the help that fails everyone unites. Kinnda’ like the underdog thing. But nevermind you are right. Goodday Sir.
by eyespy on Oct 24, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
These arent kids and this sure isnt little league
By the way I have been coaching for years and gotten many kids ready for pro ball and Div1 ball more then you know. Just got done spending a lot of time with a kid that finished playing Triple A and left for the Dominican Winter league. Not to mention signing players to pro contracts. I have coached in the cape as well. In my spare time I run camps and clinics all over the world going as far as to teach the game in Sir Lanka while also working camps in Japan with Sahara Oh. I also have a kid that plays ball that was rated as one of the top 100 HS players to watch by the Los Angeles Times. Some here know who I am and that your comments directed at me are way off base.
If your team wont rally around one of its stars that bust his hump for you and you think they will for some journey man veteran……..well you haven’t even got on base enough to be considered off base
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 24, 2009 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was he really our best guy at that moment?
If a guy is tired and imploding he’s no longer our best guy. The Red Sox left their “best guy” in to finish the 2003 ALCS game 7 against the Yankees and look how that turned out. In a move that contributed to his firing, Grady Little kept a tiring Martinez on the mound with Boston holding a two-run lead and sitting just five outs away from the World Series. The Yankees rallied to tie it against Martinez, and Aaron Boone’s 11th-inning homer off Tim Wakefield sent them into the Series instead. But hey, live or die with your best guy right?
by Trooper86 on Oct 24, 2009 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Little different
The difference there is Pedro was getting hit and hot hard. He had just given up 3 straight hits and 2 of them doubles. He was being blistered.
Lackey had just gotten Damon to fly out and was 1 pitch away from being out of it. We all know what happened and it wasnt good when he brought in Oliver. I would at least think you would argue that he should have brought in someone else since we all know 6 runs scored after Lackey had left and none while he was front and center
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 24, 2009 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not so fast
Both innings started out similiar – with Lackey getting a flyball out, double then a walk. Pedro had a pop-up out, double and single to center. Pedro then had a man on 1st with one out and a 5-3 lead. During a mound visit Pedro told Grady he wanted to stay in the game. He was still throwing in the 90’s and during that conference team leader/catcher Varitek and All Star Garciaparra were also present and none of them contradicted Pedro when asked if he had enough left in the tank. So they stuck with their best guy, who had a 2.20 ERA that season instead of Embry (4.20 ERA) who was warmed up in the bullpen. Perhaps Scioscia didn’t want to end up like Grady who got ran out of town, his reputation a joke and who probably can’t even get a job as a little league manager.
I can see both sides, but Scioscia had to make a tough call to keep the ball in park. If Lackey served up a grand slam and the Angels went on to lose game 5 his head would be on a platter.
by Trooper86 on Oct 26, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nolan Ryan
is laughing his ass off at Sosh.
by Funke5ive on Oct 23, 2009 11:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nolan Ryan is sitting on his ass at home watching Sosh in the playoffs.
And Nolan Ryan is wondering how in the hell he could get his hands on a skipper as sharp as Sosh so that, come next October, he is not sitting on his ass at home watching Sosh in the playoffs.
You too can be a baseball media analyst! Just don't allow your need to be wrong in public to get in the way of your ignorance.
by Stirrups on Oct 24, 2009 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because Washington has done so badly with what he inherited
I think Nolan better find a hitting coach…Hatcher anyone?
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Oct 24, 2009 12:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
eh
Hamilton and Kinsler on the DL.
grasp it.
by Funke5ive on Oct 24, 2009 12:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't even start with the DL speak.
look at what the Halos, and Soth had to deal with all season long. And they still find a way to win.
by eyespy on Oct 24, 2009 1:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, fine
RW is a horible manager!
Better?
by Funke5ive on Oct 24, 2009 11:09 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Spend time reading game threads on LSB.
Ranger fans will agree with this statement. I trust their judgement, since they watch RW a shitload more than we do.
You too can be a baseball media analyst! Just don't allow your need to be wrong in public to get in the way of your ignorance.
by Stirrups on Oct 24, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Managing roster depth.
grasp it.
You too can be a baseball media analyst! Just don't allow your need to be wrong in public to get in the way of your ignorance.
by Stirrups on Oct 24, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sosh had better players on the bench to choose from than RW did.
by Funke5ive on Oct 24, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sosh had to go to AAA to get pitching.
That would be the Angels Minor League System. Texas has the best Minor League prospects in baseball. So says those who rate these things, and so says Rangers fans every oportunity you can give them.
You too can be a baseball media analyst! Just don't allow your need to be wrong in public to get in the way of your ignorance.
by Stirrups on Oct 24, 2009 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So excluding pitching and including AAA
What “they” say is RW had “more talent” to juggle than sosh, but yet sosh still managed to out juggle him with having “less talent” ? lol
What I’m saying is when our center fielder and second baseman were out we had a logjam (infield & out) of “talent” step up to fill those gaps. Whereas Texas’ so called “talent” didn’t seem to quite fill those gaps like we did.
by Funke5ive on Oct 25, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For my take on the Lackey and Soscia deal is this, the skipper had left all our other pitchers in the games way too long as they were getting pounded over and over, for instance the Kazmir game i felt he shoulda pulled Scott way sooner but no, trying to be the Phil Jackson of Anaheim he wants he guys to work thru the situation….but then while Lackey was tearing it up and true he was rattled due to the no-call from the ump he pulls him prematurely i think.My son thought the world was ending i was screaming so loud at the tv
by peteyweestro on Oct 24, 2009 3:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oliver's send off
How fitting was it that Oliver’s last batter faced in the season (during game 6) was Tex, and he got him to ground into a double play! How fitting was it that he came into game 6 with the bases loaded and he got Posada to ground into a double play to end the inning! He follows that up with a 1-2-3 inning which included two strike-outs to keep the Angels in the game. With Lackey set up for game 7 and Oliver pitching like a stud in game 6 I think it’s a little more clear that Scioscia did not make a lousy move. If anything he hurt Lackey’s feelings, well wahhh.
by Trooper86 on Oct 26, 2009 1:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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