Hudson struck out a career-high 12, but goes a batter too long

Tim Hudson last night coasted through 8 innings striking out 12 in the process, and the way Hudson was rolling and his pitch count around 100. Bobby Cox decided to trot him back out there for the 9th inning to finish what he had started. An idea which surprised me at the time, but I understood what Cox was thinking, go with your hot hand even if your bullpen has been lights out all year. So with a three run lead Hudson lead the inning of with a pitch right over the plate to Miguel Cabrera, which counted for a single. Nothing to worry about, then Cody Ross does the same on a bad pitch again. Now I know I’m playing Monday morning quarterback on this one, but with Wickman up and ready in the pen and the tying runner coming to the plate, Cox let Hudson throw to Aaron Boone, which again he singled. Now with the bases loaded he goes out to get Hudson, a batter too late. In result Wickman gets his first blown save of the year and they give up a chance to take first place from the Mets in this very young season. Marlins player Aaron Boone said after the game “We got dominated for absolutely two hours, and then win in the last 15 or 20 minutes."

Don’t get me wrong Bobby Cox is one of the best managers in baseball and wouldn't be going out on a limb to say one of the best of all time, 14 straight division titles and 94’ world series sounds like a pretty good resume to me. But this just shows that even the best don’t make the correct decisions all the time. And it is impossible to be perfect in this funny game. But as a coach myself, there is nothing harder then telling your players that they did everything that they need to on that given night to win, and you didn’t because of a coaching error on your part.

I have Wickman on my fantasy baseball team (good post on fantasy sports clay) and admittedly the only reason i was paying some much attention to the last inning of this game. But if there is any trouble in the 9th, the book says go to the closer. That’s why you pay him the big bucks. And don't wait until the bases are loaded!!

Scott Riley