Final Score
Phillies 7
Red Sox 8
Time to Take a Walk: What else can be said about David Ortiz in the clutch that already hasn’t been said?
It’s almost getting boring. The only surprise yesterday was that he didn’t end it in the 9th inning. It’s gotten to that point. So what I’d like to ask of you is this; is it time to give Ortiz the Bonds treatment and walk him whenever he comes up late in the game, no matter the situation?
I bring this up because the Phillies had an interesting dilemma yesterday. It goes against all baseball wisdom to walk a guy and move the winning run up to 3rd base. It doesn’t make much sense.
Then again, what Big Papi is doing doesn’t make sense. He’s that good in game-winning situations. Managers used to walk Barry Bonds a few years back in similar situations, even giving him a free pass with the bases juiced. (Like the choice of words there?) Has David Ortiz reached that point?
With Manny Ramirez batting behind him, I’d say no. (I hope the anti-Manny forces appreciate what his presence means) You have to take your chances, no matter what Papi’s previous record in the clutch is. But it’s something worth considering, and something I have a feeling we’re going to see if Ortiz’ game-winning ways continue.
How about it amateur managers? Would you have walked Ortiz to load the bases in the 12th? Even if you don’t think it is sound strategy, do you think we’ll start seeing it in the near future?
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