Sizing up the ALCS - The Offenses

[sk7326]

We all should know as baseball fans that good pitching will stop good hitting most every time. We need no further proof that what we've seen in most of these playoff games that have been going on now for the better part of two weeks. That seems especially true of our set-to with the Tigers. Look at the batting averages of the players in these three games. Its like they're reeking from hunger. I do insist that we have to start hitting a little better than we have. A 1-0 win over Verlander is a big one and a gratifying one, but sooner or later one of our pitchers is going to need a little more support. One gripe I do have is that Farrell, though he was brilliant in handling the bullpen chores today, was remiss as hell in the offensive strategy department. Why Ellsbury was glued to first base when he got on in the fifth (or was it the sixth). He should have been running since one run could make all the difference, which it turned that it did. Then with Drew on second in the eighth and no outs why not sacrifice him to third and set up for maybe a sacrifice fly, wild pitch, squeeze bunt or something that would be easier to score another run from than just keeping Steven on second base. BTW, that is not a rant, just an observation of what I thought John might have done differently in that situation.

 

The Drew one interested me too. That said, I am not sure how much Middlebrooks bunts in general. There was a rally to be started there I think. I could see both sides of it.

 

I think Ellsbury WANTED to run, but Verlander's approach to holding him worked largely. I think he was uncomfortable getting a good jump. Also with Verlander throwing so hard and with a decently quick release - it was going to be hard to have that base stolen. With 2 outs, and Victorino leading off next inning, I see your point too. I think those were 50-50 sort of calls more than they were serious tactical lapses.