Last night’s Game 6 was one for the ages. The drama was truly epic, but it wouldn’t have been nearly as epic if not for Ron Washington making the wrong managerial decision at almost every turn. Here are just a few of the “highlights”:
- Continuing to insist on Mike Napoli batting no higher than seventh in the order
- Ordering Colby Lewis to bunt into the most obvious double play of all time.
- Playing a no-doubles outfield alignment when a single would tie the game, only to have a single that could potentially have been caught with a shallow outfield alignment end up tying the game in the tenth. This, of course, never would have been a problem had Washington not intentionally walked the potential go-ahead run to first base the batter before, thus setting up the perceived need for a no-doubles defense.
- Pinch-hitting for Scott Feldman with Esteban German, who has had just two at-bats all post-season when he could have gone to a Yorvit Torrealba, who is a better hitter, or just let Scott Feldman hit, preserving him for a few more innings of relief work.
- Bringing in Mark Lowe, who has made all of one appearance since September 20th, to pitch the 11th inning even though he could have kept Feldman in the game or turned to CJ Wilson.
But fret not, Ranger fans. I have a plan that should make sure Wash doesn’t undermine the Rangers once again. Actually, I should be honest, the plan isn’t really mine, it’s George Constanza’s, so I’ll allow him to explain.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
cKUvKE3bQlY[/youtube]
Either that, or Wash could just do literally nothing. Either strategy would be a greatly increase the chances of the Rangers finally capturing their first ever World Series championship.
