Snortwood

It was a decision rich stretch where the managers impacted the outcome. Reasonable minds can disagree on this one. I preferred the choice Gardy made and always appreciate it when they pitch to Joe in a game situation. On to LA!

Why do you think 99% would think a bunt was the right play there? That was one play Gardy assessed correctly if you realize that his objective, along w scoring anyway possible, was to get Mauer an at bat. If Plouffe bunts successfully in that situation Gardenhire takes the bat out of Mauer's hands. W a runner on 3rd and less than 2 out Francona can't pitch to Mauer. In that situation Mauer gets walked and Francona has a lefty to get Morneau and leaves the lefty in to face Doumit rt-handed. Whether the Indians get out of that without allowing a run is not important - what matters is that the Twins by sacrificing would have played it so as to make it possible for Francona to get out of that situation without the Twins giving their best player a shot to decide the game. The only way Gardenhire gets Mauer to the plate w a chance to swing the bat is by letting Plouffe swing away. The dp was not optimal, but Francona bit. He let his guy pitch to Mauer. Odds are always w the pitcher and it's a long season: Francona wins long-term by showing confidence in his guys and going after the other guy's best long before it gets to do or die. How else is he going to get his players to perform in those situations like they've been there before unless, you see, he's given them opportunities to come through in those situations? He's a good manager. Sometimes you have to engage in a battle you would prefer to skip because there are greater battles ahead that cannot be avoided. This was an interesting call on Terry's part. And maybe Francona needs to learn what his own players can and cannot be asked to do. I disagree 100% that the bunt was required in that scenario. The objective is to score and to give your best player a meaningful AB. Both of those objectives are best met by Plouffe swinging away. Please explain how Gardenhire could have played it differently to get Joe an AB?

"Derek Jeter . . . started the game at shortstop and ended up 0-for-3 . . . Jeter also had some tough defensive moments at shortstop." No stick, no glove. That Jeter kid will never make it to NY. At least not while the Twins are in town.