Series Thread: Birds @ Washington

[dmiles2186]

Wellemeyer left the first game early because of elbow inflammation. But, I agree, we used too many pitchers. I didn't understand that, especially in the first game of a doubleheader.

[cprice12]

Wellemeyer left the first game early because of elbow inflammation. But, I agree, we used too many pitchers. I didn't understand that, especially in the first game of a doubleheader.

Think of it this way...
What if we don't use a lot of pitchers, and maybe just use Villone and he struggles in the 9th and we end up losing? Then we have to roll the dice and hope we win the 2nd game or else we've lost both games of a double header.

By using a lot of pitchers in the first game, yeah, we put ourselves in a bad situation for the 2nd game, but LaRussa also didn't want to let the lead slip away in the 1st game. By limiting who you put in the game in the first game of a double header, it's possible we could have lost both games.

LaRussa has always said that he manages for the game he is in. He wants that win in the bank, especially if he has the lead, and he'll worry about the next game when it comes.

I have no problem with that.
However...I think Perez should be closing games...not Franklin.
It's just a shame how many games this team has blown late this season. If we hold on and win just half of those games, we're in 1st place.

[theohall]

That was Franklin's 1st blown save since taking over the closer role from Isringhausen.