Second Guessing Tony La Russa

The World Series is tied at two games between the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Rangers were nursing a 1-0 lead when Cardinal starter, Edwin Jackson walked a pair of batters one out into the sixth inning.

Jim LaBarbara a life amplified by rock and roll

Tony La Russa, who is famous for making pitching changes, opted to bring on Mitchell Boggs to face Mike Napoli.

Napoli hit the first pitch he saw down the left field line that left the playing field for a huge three-run home run, making the score 4-0.  That is how it ended..

While it is well documented that I am not a La Russa fan, the results of the decision do not mean the decision was the wrong one.  I have contended all season long when Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker made similar moves with similar results, that it is up to the pitcher to make a pitch.  Hitters are paid to hit pitches, too.  Even if a pitcher makes a good pitch, it does not guarantee positive results.

This time Napoli made La Russa look like bringing Boggs into the game was the wrong decision.  Maybe it was but results can be deceiving in any given game.

After the Texas pitching staff was pillaged for 16 runs Saturday night, Derek Holland, a 25-year old out of Newark, Ohio, shut down the Cardinals.  Holland worked 8 1/3 innings  Texas manager, Ron Washington, pulled Holland after the lefty walked the Cards, Rafael Furcal.

Neftali Feliz walked Allen Craig but retired Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman  to strand both baserunners.  Pujols flew out to Craig Gentry to finish the night 0-4.  In the 16-7 St. Louis victory over the Rangers on Saturday, The Great Pujols hit three home runs.

Derek Holland Newark Ohio

Holland and Feliz handled the Cardinals all night.

Holland allowed a pair of hits to Lance Berkman and little else.

Josh Hamilton hit an RBI double in the first inning.