Over managed

I may be Smokes's number one fan.  I jokingly told someone last week that I was considering naming my first born "Jim Leyland" whether it was a boy or a girl.  That's right, first name Jim, middle name Leyland.  When everyone else jumps up to question everything Smokes does (even what he eats for breakfast...Raisin Bran), I always say, "He knows what he's doing."

For once, I'm going to criticize Smokes.  There is such a thing as over managing.  In fact, if you look up "over manage" on Urban Dictionary, a video of the 8th inning of game 2 of the 2013 ALCS pops up.  When starting pitching is lighting it up, it's pretty hard to give up a four run lead.  In fact, the Tigers' bullpen was lights out on Saturday, contributing to the stellar performance from Sanchez.  They haven't been THAT bad this postseason.  However, there's no one in the pen who I would consider a "specialist" who excels at pitching to just one batter and then leaving the game.  When Veras got an out and then let someone on, there was no reason to take him out.  The "don't take me out" look was all over Smyly's face.  Benoit should NEVER come in during the 8th inning with men on base.  That's not where he excels.  He needs to have the bases free so when he inevitably makes a mistake, it's not as big of a deal.

When AA is ringing up all the RBIs, the pitchers need to pick him up

Here's a plan for the rest of the ALCS: (Smokes, I'm talking to you)  Take your starting pitchers as long as they will go.  Pitch count is a little irrelevant at this point.  They have five months to rest their arms.  From there, relief pitchers stay in for one inning EXCEPT if they give up 2 runs.  That's the rule.  Don't let old Geno talk you into switching anything up.

Good news, JV is on the mound tomorrow so he should be good through 7.  From there, you should only need one reliever (Smyly or Veras) and then bring in Benoit to start the 9th.  If you need a long reliever, there's a baller named Porcello who can take you through.  I currently enjoy my job, but I'll gladly resign to take over managing next year if need be.  I'm sure I'm qualified.

I plan on watching the NLCS tonight to get a feel for the National League competition.  With the Tigers' starting pitching and the bats finally coming alive, the World Series is seeming very close.  I also hope you are following me on Twitter (DetroitTigress1).  I usually have at least one zinger during the game.