Manny Acta, Cleveland manager, gave the White Sox a critical game tonight, tremendously helping their attempt to make the playoffs. Detroit won their game earlier, so if the White Sox lost, they would be tied for first. In addition, the Sox would have lost their sixth straight game and would have been reeling, with a lot of pressure on them. Detroit would have had some momentum, and the Sox would have been struggling greatly. Now, as a result of Acta’s complete mismanaging, the White Sox have the momentum of a comeback win and a one-game lead.
The Indians led 3-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning, and Joe Smith, the Indians’ pitcher, struck out the first two White Sox. I made the statement at that point that if he retired the third batter, he was obviously on tonight and had to pitch the 8th inning. I said Acta could not bring in another pitcher and hope that pitcher was also on. Smith struck out the third batter, so he struck out the side and was in complete command. I said again that Smith had to pitch the 8th. What does Acta do? He takes out Smith, and brings in Pestano. Pestano gave up 3 runs in the 8th, and the White Sox won 5-4.
The Sox continue to benefit from Leyland costing the Tigers games and now Acta giving the Sox a game. When will managers ever get this? I will admit the Sox got robbed of a run on a bad call on a play at the plate.
Larry needs to understand that the pitcher brought in by Cleveland in the 8th inning is an absolute stud pitcher and has the best “hold” record of anybody, anywhere!
So he had a bad night…….stuff happens!
This is the issue managers don’t understand. They think every pitcher is on every night. I believe that if you have a pitcher who is on, you stay with him because, unlike the potential next pitcher, you know he is on and are not hoping. Once again, I said that taking the pitcher out would probably cost the game, and was right. Part of managing/coaching is having a feel for the game. When I say things, I say them in advance, not after the fact. You are right that “stuff happens,” so my point is, avoid that by sticking with your hot hand. If the pitcher had stayed in the game and given up a hit, you can then bring in the next guy.