Faith In Francona

[elsrbueno]

Originally posted by mosox@Sep 22 2004, 12:33 PM

I know the Sox don't bunt, or can't. But Damon up in the 9th with Roberts on third and one out seems like a great spot for a squeeze. I wish this team was more fundamental. But Bellhorn bailed out everyone. Time to play Roberts!

Are you saying play Roberts instead of Damon?

 

I'm not sure I agree with that. Damon's been very good (except for last night) most of the season.

 

I really like Roberts, and wouldn't mind seeing him play some more outfield... but with both Damon and Roberts in the outfield... I don't like the looks of 2 weak arms out there...

[mosox]

Originally posted by elsrbueno@Sep 22 2004, 02:27 PM

Are you saying play Roberts instead of Damon?

 

No. I was looking for Damon to bunt in that situation.

[mosox]

I'm wondering what Francona was thinking in the 8th inning Thursday night. An intentional walk to Geronimo Gil, a guy hitting .216 and who spent all season in triple A. And then he leaves Myers in to face the obvious righthanded pinch hitter for Gibbons, who then got a 2 rbi hit. Really Francona had no choice because he didn't get a righty up in the bullpen in time. Did he not think Mazz would pinch hit for Gibbons? Does Francona even look a few batters ahead in the lineup? This is just the kind of situational managing Francona needs to be able to handle in the playoffs.

[sarasoxfan]

situational managing...do you honestly think he'll start becoming a "situational manager" in the playoffs.

 

He is the worst f***ing manager in the major leagures. No question about that.

 

How we got this far is testament ot the players. Because he is just so friggin bad. He gave up on last night nights game. I have no idea why..but he just throw it away.

 

His selection of pitchers makes no sense, and his inability to see an inning ahead ijs just incredible.

 

He is really so ineffectual it isnt even funny.

[mosox]

It seems obvious he managed last night's game while thinking about Friday's night game. He may not look an inning ahead or even a few batters ahead, but he looks a whole day ahead. So he ended up throwing away a game in the standings. How can a manager manage a game when he's thinking about tomorrow? Win the game you're in, and worry about tomorrow when it comes. It's possible Pedro will go 7 or 8 innings tonight and all of Francona's worrying was for no good reason.

[mosox]

I wish this thread would just fade away, but it has to continue.

The way Francona managed the 8th is a nightmare.

Why have Timlin and Embree warm up if he won't bring them in for outs? They are the 8th inning pitchers. Pedro's pitch count was high, doesn't he even listen to Bill James? NESN had a shot of Francona sitting there after Williams hit the double and he looked like a guy who couldn't make up his mind. He had a Grady moment.

[RedSox24]

Originally posted by mosox@Sep 24 2004, 09:36 PM

He had a Grady moment.

Exactly what i thought

[mosox]

I'm starting to think the 8th inning is a big challenge for Francona.

Monday night, with the score 6-2, he lets McCarty hit against the righty pitcher. Granted McCarty did hit a HR, but if this was a playoff game would McCarty still hit in that situation? If not, then why do it a week before the playoffs?

Then later with first and third and two out with Bellhorn up, he sends out Hyzdu on deck to hit for Manny. Until the MFY win, these games all mean something. Isn't Manny's job to drive in runs? Is Hyzdu on the playoff roster that he needs the at bat? His moves just don't seem to make sense.

[SoxfaninNY]

Some of Francona's moves (I hope) have to deal with giving some of his Post Season starters alittle time off to rest, if not a full game then part. I don't think taking Pedro out in the 8th will be a question any longer!

[sarasoxfan]

I agree his goal seems to be resting people and not winnning, but we are so deep in spite of his inability to ever make the right move, we win...Like you say "granted the score was 6-2", and the fact that McCarty had a homer.

 

So as much as Francona tries hard, and i mean very hards to look like idiot most of the itme the players rise above his ineptitude.