Bad News Bear Inc- 08/19/07 Game Thoughts

August 20, 200719 yr

Just go out and win today and move on. Damn Giants

August 20, 200719 yr

I didn't see anyone bring this point of view up, so here it goes: I don't think DeAza should have sacrificed in the 8th with runners on 1st and 2nd and 0 out because of the situation that set up the automatic intentional walk to Miggy. The worst that could have happened would be a double-play, which, given DeAza's speed, was unlikely. So here were some possibilities if DeAza didn't sacrifice:

1. Base hit. Either bases loaded, or runner scoring with 0 out and runners on for Cabs .

2. Ground ball that gets the runner out at second. 1 out, runners on 1st and 3rd for Cabs.

3. Short fly-ball out. Runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out for Cabs.

4. Double-play. Runner on either 3rd or 2nd with 2 outs for Cabs

5. Walk. Bases loaded w/ 0 out for Cabs.

6. Hit by pitch. Bases loaded w/ 0 out for Cabs.

7. Error. Runners on base for Cabrera w/ 0 out.

My point being, sacrificing in that situation is saying, "I'm leaving it up to Hammer to get the job done." Granted, Josh was 3/4 in the game at that point, but I would think a team would want to do everything possible to avoid the intentional walk to their best hitter in a crucial situation, especially since the Marlins have struggled with runners on 3rd and less than 2 out. The ironic part about it, and Tommy mentioned this during the broadcast, is if Uggla were batting behind Cabrera, DeAza probably wouldn't have sacrificed. Who would have thought a slumping hitter batting behind Cabs would have actually benefitted Miguel in that situation.

I don't necessarily agree with the bunt, but it's not like Hammer is a shlub out there (especially with runners on)

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=6024

his numbers are downright silly