I'm using the Pirates as an example, but it is a question that could be posed for any team in a similar situation.
So the Pirates are in the wildcard game playing the Cubs. Both teams have their respective aces going (Cole and Arrieta). The Pirates find themselves down 1-0 in the bottom of the 4th. The bases are loaded with 1 out and Cole is coming up. Cole has only thrown 60 pitches. Do you let him hit?
Obviously their are a lot of variables at play, but the Pirates would have a complete bench so they could throw a left handed hitter out there to pinch hit. The other important note is that you are allowed a unique roster for the game. So the Pirates can have a slew of relievers at their disposal along with several guys capable of pitching multiple innings.
So does Cole bat?
4th inning.... My gut says that's too early in the game to pull Cole.
ReplyDeleteWho's to say you wouldn't rather save those bench bat bullets for another couple innings?
I'd let him bat in the 4th, but not in the 6th. The 5th . . . ? I'd have to think about it for a second or two, but I'd probably want him to pitch another inning.
Is it worth losing your best opportunity to score runs for 2 innings of Cole? The Pirates have a really deep bullpen. I knew I was in the minority but I'm pulling him.
DeleteLet him hit, suicide squeeze baby! It's only 1 run
ReplyDeleteThe bunt would be out of the equation because I'm assuming the Cubs would be expecting it.
DeleteHe has to hit, there's probably more to gain by him being able to pitch a few more innings.
ReplyDeleteThat was my argument, but with the opposite thinking. How much do we gain by having him pitch 2 more innings. In a one game scenario you really have to limit the number of at bats a pitcher has.
DeleteBases loaded with one out, I definitely let him hit. Two outs, I'd give more pause, but still probably let him hit. That said, I personally hope the Cubs are leading 12-0 by the fourth inning!
ReplyDeleteIt would be a super tough call, but outs are so precious in a one game scenario. The Pirates bullpen has been one of the best in baseball. Obviously the backlash would be bad if the pinch hitter fails, but I'm taking the percentage play to score runs off of Arrieta.
DeleteI never see It done ,but i'd put the squeeze If there was speed on third.But I'd let him hit either way.If he makes an out or hits into a double play you can't hold It against him,cuz he's a pitcher.If he gets a hit and knocks In 2 than that would be monumental,plus he'd take that momentum onto the mound with him.
ReplyDeleteSafety squeeze is a nice play, but in that situation the Cubs would be prepared. The Pirates usually get one chance against Arrieta when he pitches so I'm going for it. He is so tough.....The decision is much easier for the Cubs because their bullpen is not as good as the Pirates so Arrieta would hit.
DeleteThe answer is simple, have the NL adopt a DH until a pitcher proves himself worthy of holding a bat like Carlos Zambrano.
ReplyDeleteOkay my serious answer is to just pull Cole. It's the play in game which is THE game that's designed to be the battle of the bullpens. Use the extra relievers you can carry.
I 100% agree. Cole is great, but in a one game situation I think we will have a full bullpen to throw at the Cubs. The good thing with the Pirates is that all their bullpen guys are built for an inning.
DeleteI'm always letting my ace hit there. Especially Cole, who actually hits well for a pitcher- .175 career average ain't too shabby!
ReplyDeleteI figured I would be in the minority by wanting a pinch hitter. My thought process is that it would most likely be our best shot against Arrieta. In a one game scenario I would like to think I took the best opportunity to score a run. Cole can handle the bat a little, but he also has a very high k rate and obviously can't run well.
DeleteI say let him hit. After today Cole has 0.318 lifetime batting average against the Cubs, his highest against any team.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of the numbers, I would let him hit though. You team's stud pitcher is only down 1-0 and you have to figure he's going to keep it close. If it's the six inning, then I might pull him, but the 4th is way too early.
In any other situation I would probably agree with you except a wild card came. DISAGREEMENTS!!!
DeleteLet him hit. Suicide squeeze depending who's on third. Just hope he doesn't pull a Burnett an fracture his eye socket. 5th inning maybe. 6th or later have a seat.
ReplyDeleteA squeeze would be a mess. Only safety squeeze would work. Like I said above it is a pretty obvious play so first and third would probably be in and I suspect they would pitch out at some point too.
DeleteHit
ReplyDeleteA lot of moving parts play in the decision but I'm still pinch hitting. The thing is if we score that inning, it would put pressure on Maddon to pull Arrieta.
DeleteLike Zippy said above, we just need the DH in the NL.
Let him hit! No way would I pull my ace that early in a must-win game for a 30% chance of getting a run in.
ReplyDeleteThe run probability would would be around 60% in that situtation because their are several situations where making an out still scores a run. Like I said above, just about any other situation he hits, but I think this one is the only one I sit him.
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