Managing Brilliantly
The Cubs are managing to win tight games, sometimes in creative ways. And Lou simply outmanaged Phillies acting-manager, coach Jimy Williams (Phils skippper Charlie Manuel was tossed arguing a fair/foul home run call) by running up Felix Pie as a decoy pinch-hitter. With the game on the line in the 8th, Piniella sent in struggling rookie Felix Pie to pinch bat (hard to call him a pinch-hitter) for catcher Henry Blanco. This was a genius move to chase Tom Gordon and force the Phils to bring in another pitcher - JC Romero - to face Geovany Soto. The move paid off big as Soto hit a check-swing single to tie the game. Well done Lou, you out-classed ‘em today.
Off Monday then back to the Friendly Confines Tuesday. …I wonder how Dusty Baker’s return to Wrigley will be…?