Last game he had a hit and two walks. I take my reasons for optimism where I can find 'em. Maybe he needs to get a little more patient and take more pitches.
In general I would agree, and the big money is definitely part of it.
There are exceptions in every sport too - guys who are just as tough and durable as the old time guys in spite of the money - LeBron, Tom Brady etc.
I don't know, I think some sports like football allow for clever strategy and the actual element of surprise.
You can't really say that about defensive shifts in baseball. The big surprise would be if they weren't used.
Dave Roberts used the opener strategy more than once last postseason, and it nearly burned him. Fortunately for him the guys behind the lousy opener pitched great.
It's a tricky issue. You can say the same about football - new rules to protect players from head injuries, for example.
But when you read about all the ex-NFL players whose lives were basically ruined by head injuries, it's pretty hard not to get behind the new rules.
What you're saying is it's not 'third time through the order' that matters, it's only 'third time through the top of the order'.
So facing the 4-5-6 hitters a third time is no big deal?
I certainly get what you're saying, but there are so many pitchers who end up needing Tommy John surgery now. I don't feel quite right calling them wusses.