The almighty save!

jim · Post by **jim** » April 26 07, 10:30 am

Popeye_Card wrote:Not in the game, but in terms of being ready to pitch Thursday afternoon.

I failed to bring this up, but this was part of my concern as well. Night/day game situation... thanks for bringing this up.

haltz · Post by **haltz** » April 26 07, 10:32 am

skmsw wrote:The Sox score 6 in the bottom of the 8th, and Timlin is deprived of his "save." But the willingness to deploy his most effective pitcher at a key spot may have been the difference.

... And I'm deprived of a fantasy point. I hate the relief ace.

Popeye_Card · Post by **Popeye_Card** » April 26 07, 10:41 am

RC21 wrote:
Popeye_Card wrote: I thought it was a bit silly to bring in Izzy until the tying run came to the plate,
Aye, but there's the rub. Izzy came in before the tying run was at the plate, no?

Yeah, that was silly. Let Flores face another batter until it happens.

My point was that the only safety net for Flores should have been Izzy, since he had already warmed in earnest for a high leverage situation that didn't end up being there. Apparently LaRussa saw enough of Flores to deploy the safety net early.

--P--

Popeye_Card · Post by **Popeye_Card** » April 26 07, 10:48 am

jim wrote:
Popeye_Card wrote:Not in the game, but in terms of being ready to pitch Thursday afternoon.
I failed to bring this up, but this was part of my concern as well. Night/day game situation... thanks for bringing this up.

And not only that, but there's 6 straight against the Cubs and Brewers right after that. Plus Kiesler is going today, with Reyes and Wainwright after that--all 3 guys who you might need to lean on the bullpen a bit in the 6-9th innings.

So Izzy was rightfully warmed for a 2-run save situation with the heart of the order up. Flores was rightfully kept in the game to face the 2 lefties since the outcome was mostly secured. The only question is whether or not Flores was struggling enough for LaRussa to remove him with 1 out to go, and 2 batters needed to possibly tie the game. I personally would have let Flores try to get one more out, but maybe Tony saw enough.

If Izzy was fully warmed in preparation for the 9th, he might as well face a hitter or two. It really makes no difference for his fatigue Thursday an beyond at that point.

--P--

jim · Post by **jim** » April 26 07, 10:53 am

Popeye_Card wrote: If Izzy was fully warmed in preparation for the 9th, he might as well face a hitter or two. It really makes no difference for his fatigue Thursday an beyond at that point.

--P--

Exactly.

Jmodene · Post by **Jmodene** » April 26 07, 1:05 pm

A 50/50 chance of the runner getting on base would translate to a .500 OBA, wouldn't it? Since most batters are in the .310-.340 range, there's really only a 1/3rd chance of the batter getting on base unless he's a really good batter.

valley_card22 wrote:Lord Knows Im not a Math guy. But isnt there a 50/50 chance each batter reaches base or gets out

There was 1 runner on in a 5-2 game. Who knows what happends if Thompson or whoever comes in and the ball doesnt get hit to Eck. Lets say the error still happends. Two on two out. I have 0 idea of the math, but Im gonna stand at my 50/50 chance.

Jmodene · Post by **Jmodene** » April 26 07, 1:05 pm

Actually, the rule is "tying run on deck".

RC21 wrote:
Popeye_Card wrote: I thought it was a bit silly to bring in Izzy until the tying run came to the plate,
Aye, but there's the rub. Izzy came in before the tying run was at the plate, no?

Jmodene · Post by **Jmodene** » April 26 07, 1:08 pm

Considering Izzy only threw six pitches, he certainly should be available today, especially now that we've got a lead. But if Izzy pitches today, he's probably not going to be available for Friday's game against Chicago... so it would be nice if we could tack on a few more runs and let Hancock or somebody mop up.

jim wrote:
Popeye_Card wrote:Not in the game, but in terms of being ready to pitch Thursday afternoon.
I failed to bring this up, but this was part of my concern as well. Night/day game situation... thanks for bringing this up.

mikechamp · Post by **mikechamp** » April 26 07, 1:16 pm

Jmodene wrote:Considering Izzy only threw six pitches, he certainly should be available today, especially now that we've got a lead. But if Izzy pitches today, he's probably not going to be available for Friday's game against Chicago... so it would be nice if we could tack on a few more runs and let Hancock or somebody mop up.

Since Izzy has had some struggles with the cubs over the past 2 seasons, it may not be a bad thing if he closes today and is not available for tomorrow's game.

JL21 · Post by **JL21** » April 26 07, 1:29 pm

Jmodene wrote:Actually, the rule is "tying run on deck".

Oh, I know. But the situation by any other name is still the same situation.