Game 2 Musings

More musings while watching the World Series game two...

Lane the Speedster - Strategic stolen base by Jason Lane in the second. He got a great jump on a left-handed pitcher and without good speed still made it easily. That put a runner in scoring position for a hot hitting Brad Ausmus. As it was Ausmus hit the dribbler to third and Adam Everett got to "hit" if you can call it that. He's so messed up that he looked at his third base coach apparently hoping that he was to sacrifice with two outs. He then showed bunt on a 1-1 pitch for a called strike to put him in a big hole (although one could argue that he walks to the plate in a big hole). He then waves through a high fastball. Well, at least he's cleared for the third.

Major Leaguers? - Terrible outfield play by Chris Burke-tober in the 3rd misjudging A.J. Pierzynski's fly to left. He did the same thing in the Cardinals series and strangely looks like a converted infielder. The desire to get Burke's bat in the lineup may end up costing Phil Garner, especially since that desire is predicated on a few good at bats for a player who is not really that good (small sample size). Aaron Rowand also inexplicably wasn't on third but stood on first assuming the ball would be caught as he told his manager between innings. I agree with Tim McCarver that it was the wrong play. Then Craig Biggio drops a popup to let Pierzynski score after the single. Petitte's getting no help. Both runs should be unearned but both are earned.

Where's Lidge? - Well, the umpires continue to have one of the worst post seaons in memory and Jeff Neslon can now be added to the list. Be that as it may, my 10-year old daughter who was lazily watching the game off and on from the couch while reading a book had asked me a few minutes before Jermaine Dye was "hit" with the pitch who the Astros best pitcher was. I responded that Brad Lidge was. After the homerun, as she was heading off to bed asked why the Astros didn't bring in their best pitcher in that situation. I had no response. As it turned out Lidge may have given up the long ball as well seeing as how he's now given up homeruns to two of the last three batters he's faced and this one to a guy who hit zero in 568 plate appearances in the regular season.

Jenks Jinxed? - Bobby Jenks wasn't throwing as hard tonight and his location was obviously not good. The book on Jeff Bagwell is to go up the elevator with him and being ahead in the count he should have. Instead he got one thigh high on the outside corner and singled to start the rally. Burke did a great job in being patient to get the walk and executed a perfect slide to tie the game at 6 in the ninth.

Long Ball Again - The Small Ball/Smart Ball Sox again win on the strength of the long ball - 2 in this case. 16 in 10 post season games and four in the two World Series games accounting for seven of their twelve runs. Homeruns are the smartest way to score - and win - after all.