Friday, September 28, 2007

Manuel Incompetent or Dangerous?

Can someone explain to me why Charlie let Cole Hamels bat with 2 outs, the bases loaded, and a 6-0 lead in the bottom of the 7th tonight?

I would have thought it was an obvious pinch hitter situation. What with your staff ace pitching 7 strong innings in his second start back from the disabled list, and with an opportunity to truly blow the game wide open.

I know the bullpen needed a rest, but if Manuel had pinch hit for Hamels - and the sub made the final out - couldn't you still reasonably expect Condrey, Alfonseca, and/or Geary to have gotten the necessary six outs and protected a 6 run lead?

I simply don't understand why he let Hamels hit in that situation and why he let him go out for the 8th. Sure he was cruising and had a shutout going, but he wound up throwing 116 pitches. This after his last start he was on a strict 75 pitch pitch count. If the Phillies do make the playoffs, and their magic number is now 2, Hamels is going to get plenty of work. in fact, it looks like he would probably start the division series or at worst game two. and from then on out, he's probably on short rest. so, again, i'm not sure why you don't pinch hit for him in the 7th - with the bases loaded - and why you let him throw 116 pitches. Come to think of it, there may be an argument for not having him pitch the 7th either.

Am i missing something?

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