Well. The tribe pulls out a dramatic comeback win and thrills 33,000 fans and most importantly, the OC tribe fans. . But upon further review, only a shitforbrains manager would have allowed the 3 run rally from happening.

First, how typical of Wedgie is it...../ err was it when he would continually parade out a horrible closer? I watched the Kerry Wood horror show for 2 years. Well, Brandon League hasn't been getting anybody out for weeks.

Secondly. Now I don't know that much about Seattle's roster when it comes to defensive replacements, but seriously? Do they not have a left fielder that can judge a fly ball? This was the ninth...up 2 runs.

Brantley's ball was not an easy play....and maybe a good left fielder doesn't catch it either. It's hard to say. But Cabrera's ball was horribly played...breaking in and then trotting back after it. Also, with Cabrera representaing the tying run, the outfielders are supposed to play at least 5 feet deeper to prevent...well....a double in that situation.

And finally..why in the world would a right hander pitch to Hafner, the league's leading hitter...or close to it? With all due respects for the over achieving O-Cab, he's hitting a modest 270, with virtually no chance of going yard.

I'm not happy with all that Acta does. (Get Grady the hell out of the 1 hole with all his solo shots, and move your rookie catcher out of the highest pressure spot in the batting order) But it sure is nice when the opposing manager tosses a sure win over to our side.

Thanks ButtWedge.

Lost in all of this is Seattle's opportunities to try and manufacture some runs in the 8th by putting a bunt in place. Wedge simply refuses to play small ball or any type of fundamental baseball.

In the 8th inning the guy on first ran on the fly ball bc he thought their were two outs. Is this Wedge's fault? No. Should the 1st base coach have drummed in the runners head there is only one out? Probably.

hoops23;768474 wrote:Lost in all of this is Seattle's opportunities to try and manufacture some runs in the 8th by putting a bunt in place. Wedge simply refuses to play small ball or any type of fundamental baseball.

WKNR was discussing Wedge, Hargrove & Acta a few weeks ago and their willingness to bunt. Acta obviously isn't afraid to play small ball. Hargrove, they said, never needed to have players lay down bunts because he had the big boppers and anyone in that lineup could usually go deep at any given moment. They said Wedge, on the other hand, was just delusional and THOUGHT he had those "big boppers." He didn't.

I felt like Wedge played small ball his first few years with the tribe. It wasn't until the 2007 season where he abandoned that approach.

Agree on most of the OP except walking Hafner. I don't like putting the winning run on base. Walk Pronk, Tribe goes and gets a pinch runner. You have to go to 'no doubles' defense to keep the winning run from scoring (although, as you stated, Wedge hasn't heard of this alignment), then it is easier for OCab to drop in a base knock that scores the tying run.

Small ball BLOWS (for the most part).

I would never bunt, unless tied or down 1 in the 8th or 9th after a leadoff double (7th inning, pending on team/pitcher facing).

Laley23;768820 wrote:I would never bunt, unless tied or down 1 in the 8th or 9th after a leadoff double (7th inning, pending on team/pitcher facing).

Wedge wouldn't do it then! I agree it is not sexy baseball, and I wouldn't do it early on in the game, but tied 1-1 in the 8th with a leadoff double I sure as hell am going to bunt him over.