The decision that lost this game was made when he sent Framber back out for that last inning. It was obvious he was trying to save the bullpen at the risk of overextending his ace. He wound up running Valdez into the ground. He came out limping. So he made the Dusty move of running his closer into the ground too. Not only did he lose this game but the ramifications of his actions will reach many games into the future. I will be amazed if Valdez makes his next start and I would be equally surprised to see our closer for the next several games. Dusty should have been relieved of his duties long ago but this game was a firing offense all by itself.
It's a bit odd that in a game where the bullpen gave up 8 runs, it's being questioned why they didn't go to the bullpen sooner.
On the surface that's fine. But everyone, including Dusty, knows that Framber must at alll costs remain healthy. He had already completed 6 innings and had a 6 run lead. Factor in an extra long time sitting on the bench and the best managerial decision should be to go to the bullpen there. At very least, in the 7th inning he gets pulled as soon as someone reaches. This should be standard across the board. It's not 1972 !! Framber missed 3 pitches badly and had a timer violation to the first batter. It should have been obvious the extra time on the bench hurt him. There should not have been any hesitation to pitch any of the relievers with a 6 run lead needing 9 more outs.
Click stepped in, I doubt Brown steps in. Brown trading for pitching and making Dusty play Diaz at catcher more are the things he could do to help this team the most.
I'm sure he did it because Framber had less than 90 pitches and the bullpen is overworked. But if the MGR has no confidence that the bullpen can protect a 6 run lead for 3 innings then the team has other problems - and bad ones.
Wonder why he didn't use Maton like he usually does? Right now I'm pitching Martinez in higher leverage situations over Stanek and Montero.
I would like to see Stanek DFAd He can't throw strikes and won't be allowed to pitch in any leverage situations or in the playoffs. Just move and and bring Dubin or Mushinski up to fill his spot.
