WTF Scioscia and Poll!

It’s about the team. He pulled Hunter and Guerrero and Bobby because of that extra 1-2 inning rest.

Realize that Hunter and Guerrero have to be healthy for this team to be able to go into the postseason and hopefully take the World Series.

Why overwork your team when:
1) You’re ahead by 10 runs
2) Your players have had injury issues throughout the season
3) You have perfectly capable (maybe not offensively capable, but defensively capable) players on the bench

I’m sure Morales would’ve liked to set a record or add more to his stats. But his first and foremost goal should be the World Series. This means doing any means necessary, even small things, to make the World Series appear closer to your reach.

As for Rivera not scoring, he’s not a fast runner, he can’t make from 1st to home that often. He was on the DL for a reason. Also, there was only 1 out, if he decided to run headlong right off the hit, he would’ve made it to home, but that would run the risk of getting doubled off at 1st if the outfielder made the grab.

Instead, he played cautiously and was able to score on a ground out by HK, giving the Angels 4-0 lead instead of 3-0. Who knows, maybe a 3-0 deficit wouldn’t have given Saunders the confidence he would need to pitch so great later on and he gives up 4 runs. Or maybe having Howie lead off the 4th would’ve ruined the line up, thus not producing runs.

So please. Root for the team not the individual. If he makes a great play, cheer him on for that time. If he doesn’t, be happy the team still wins. If the team loses, turn the page and hope they get their stuff together the next game.