Let me say up front: I love the Cubs. I’m very happy they won today. My evening is saved.
But, here’s the thing. I’m very, very upset with Mike Quade for his decision to let Ryan Dempster hit in the bottom of the fifth with the bases loaded and two outs.
Pulling Dempster in favor of a pinch hitter in that situation is the by-the-book move. Dempster was nearing 100 pitches. He’s struggled late in games all year. It’s a one-run game, the bases are loaded, Dempster is a horrible hitter, and there are some serious bats available on the bench. If Quade pulls Dempster, the pinch hitter strikes out, and then the bullpen comes in and blows the game, there is no one – *no one* – questioning the decision to pull Dempster. As it was, Quade went against the book, and left Dempster in. And when it predictably ended poorly, Quade has to accept a serious, serious amount of blame.
When you go with the book and things fall apart, it’s hard to be blamed. When you go against the book and things fall apart? You screwed up, and you should be shredded for it. My patience is wearing thin and it’s not even May.
Ok. Back to being happy.