A great game, but this one was hard to take. The Braves go up 6-0 and it
looks like they can't be beat. All of a sudden, we get a moron umpire in
right field in the way (once again, why do we have these extra umpires?),
then Neagle can't throw strikes and we can't play defense.
Then later Wohlers is blowing his fastball by everyone and, as he's wont to
do keeps going back to his mediocre slider and gets burned for a three-run HR
and the game is tied. No way does he give up a three-run shot to a
right-handed batter with his fastball. WHY THE HELL DOES HE DO THAT???
Then still later, Avery can't find the strikezone, puts himself in a jam, Cox
walks Williams with a runner on 1st and 2nd (the right move, IMO), but Avery
can't get three over the plate against Boggs, and suddenly the game is
basically lost.
Oh, the Braves had more chances to score, but as they did most of the night
(after getting the 6 runs), they failed with runners on base.
The Braves' lack of depth was really exposed in this game. Not much depth in
the bullpen, and NO depth whatsoever on the bench. Schuerholz really left
Cox shorthanded this postseason, the acquisition of Denny Neagle
notwithstanding.
Give the Yanks credit for coming back. They deserved to win. They outplayed
the Braves in all phases of the game. And their depth is so much better than
the Braves. It will be difficult for the Braves to win these kind of games
(which is why their extra inning record is so poor). The more players used,
the less chance they have of winning.
It's fashionable to rip Cox, and I'm sure there will be plenty of people with
20-20 hindsight nitpicking to death his decisions, but I have no problem with
any of his moves. About the only thing I questioned was putting Klesko on
deck with Polonia up there, ensuring that they'd pitch to Polonia (though
mediot McCarver had it completely backwards). I would have left Perez out
there (or shown Pendleton), hope they walk Polonia to get to Perez and THEN
bring out Klesko. But Torre probably wouldn't have walked Polonia anyway.
Tomorrow's a very big game for both starting pitchers. Torre's already said
Rivera is not available. Bielecki and Wohlers can't be expected for too
much. If either starter is not on their game, that team will probably be in
trouble. I really like the Braves chances with Smoltz. He's done well on
three days rest before. I'm sure Yankee fans are confident in Pettitte, too,
though.
... Atlanta Braves - 1995 World Series Champions!
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