My TV Is Getting an Earfull!!!

[DOUGHBOYS]

I'm tired of whining and ranting at my tv. There is no satisfaction. The folks on the screen never answer my howls.
So, I'll use this as the place to whine.
The Padres/Cubs game is in the top of the ninth inning. The Cubs have just blown a four run lead going into the ninth inning.
I can blame Joe Maddon. I can blame Phil Coke. I can blame Hector Rondon.
I choose, though, to blame numbers.

Joe Maddon is very familiar with the numbers that drive today's game. He knows when a Save is a Save. He knows when a Save is not a Save.
What Maddon does NOT seem to know is that he is managing the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs are young. They really don't know how to win.
This, is what Maddon is for. He is supposed to lead them to the best way to possibly win a game.

Ok, let's go back to todays game, which has moved to the bottom of the ninth inning, tied at 6.
The Padres had Alonso (lefty), Kemp, and Upton coming up. He had Phil Coke and Rondon warming in the bullpen.
The score: Cubs 6; Padres 2.
When I saw Coke come out of the pen, I thought that was the wise play. Get Alonso out, then decide what to do with the right handers.
But, he didn't get Alonso out.
Now, it is a no-brainer.
Take out Coke, bring in Rondon.
Nope, not gonna happen. Not a Save situation.
The tieing run has to be in the on deck circle.
And now, Coke faces Kemp.
And Kemp reaches.
Rondon is brought in. NOW, it is a Save situation.
BUT, Rondon doesn't have his best stuff and four runs cross the plate to tie the game.

I can blame Maddon. Most Managers follow the rule that when possible, the Closer comes in to start the ninth inning.
Maddon didn't, and really, I was ok with that since a leadoff hitter was lefty with a four run lead.
What cannot be excused is leaving Coke in to face Kemp.
It was silly. I was yelling at the tv when the non-move was made.
Sure, Coke could have gotten lucky and retired Kemp. Maybe even a double play ball.
But, Maddon manages the CUBS.
He cannot forget that.
And now, I wonder if Rondon could have induced a double play ball from Kemp.
Any win that can be won, should be won and has to be won, when talking Cubs. Not chanced for a Save op.
Numerish has turned an almost certain Win into a possible loss.
100% of baseball fans and Managers would rather have Hector Rondon, not Phil Coke, face Matt Kemp in the ninth inning.
I just made that up.
But, I'm confident in the conclusion.
And as the game heads into the 10th inning now, I am pissed that Kyle Hendricks did not get the Win for some fantasy teams of mine, but even more pissed in HOW he did not get the Win.
Thanks for the listen. This is much more therapeutic than yelling at the tv.

[KJ Duke]

You make a good case, Dan. I can play either side ...

The other side would be Coke has looked decent and if he gets Kemp out (a 60% chance of that happening), then he can probably finish the game and Maddon's closer can take a seat and be fresh for the next few games. There's your TV talking back to you!

p.s., as a Rondon owner I'm thrilled that Joe is looking after me and waiting 'til the save situation, at least 'til the bad result happens

[DOUGHBOYS]

You make a good case, Dan. I can play either side ...

The other side would be Coke has looked decent and if he gets Kemp out (a 60% chance of that happening), then he can probably finish the game and Maddon's closer can take a seat and be fresh for the next few games. There's your TV talking back to you!

p.s., as a Rondon owner I'm thrilled that Joe is looking after me and waiting 'til the save situation, at least 'til the bad result happens

Yeah, I would have the same thoughts as a Rondon owner.
As a Hendricks owner, it sucked.