Also in regards to Ensberg? If he is struggling so much, and we all agree he is....why not get Lamb more ABs at 3b? Also, why not suicide squeeze? DD
When you have your #2, #3, and #4 hitters coming up... that's how. I'd rather go down swinging in that situation, then to score only ONE run that ties the game. Also, theres no guarantees even if they do get that one run (which they ultimately didn't anyways... and you have no clue what would have happened since Burke didn't get a chance to swing the bat). Once again... most other situations (or most other opposing starting pitchers), I'd be bunting (esp. the playoffs)... but in a game that could have been (and still be) broken open at any second, I would have given those guys another chance at simply driving the run in (or even Burke moving up the runner by hitting to the right side). The fact that Garner gave up Burke one ONE pitch (Marshall hasn't had that good control tonight either) is what annoys me... save that for Willy T, Brunteltt, Everett, Ausmus, or the pitcher.
The universe is doing a good job of keeping the astros from hitting into the gaps or going yard. Jeez, Lane is coming so close.
This might be one of the most painful (non-playoff) losses (if things stay how they are) that I can ever remember following this team. Yes, it's only a July baseball game. But the Cards and Reds are losing. We've got one of the best pitchers in the game pitching, at home, against one of the worst teams. They have a soft-tossing lefty who can't even approach 90 mph. We've crushed the ball all night. Lane has come inches from having a double and homer his last two at-bats. All Morgan Ensberg had to do was get a simple flyball to the outfield. This is incredibly demoralizing. Also, I'm going to be incredibly disappointed if Garner lets Ausmus bat to leadoff the bottom of the 9th. This is a very important game that we could easily win, but we can't afford to concede an out to start the next inning.
It would be more demoralizing to lose this next series to a struggling Cardinals team. As much as winning these games (when other teams are also losing) is great... you still have to beat St. Louis (or avoid getting beat) these next 4 games. Also, Berkman (the best RBI man in the NL) has been up to bat three times tonight... and all three times, there's been a runner in scoring position. The fact that he's gone 0-3 in these situations tonight is the biggest reason we haven't scored. Finally, we're losing the Cubs with Oswalt vs. their scrub in Marshall... and we beat the Cubs with Nieve vs. their ace in Zambrano. Thus, **** happens sometimes.
yep...that's the sad truth. nobody else on this team can be relied upon to do anything, and it's just a pleasant surprise/bonus when they do.
How about those games last year where Clemens went deep into the game giving up no runs only to see the bullpen lose in extra innings?
Yea... or you have to realize that you give your best/franchise player THREE opportunities to do what he's supposed to do, and you hope he can cash in on at least one.
If they walk Orlando... Garner better pull back Lamb RIGHT AWAY, and put Willy in to BUNT. EDIT: N/m... Willy is running... and Lamb is still hitting. Now, the book says to BUNT... but he's going to hit. go figure, monday morning QB's.
