The Mets just won the National League East

The Phillies-Cubs game is now over and the Phillies (and Charlie Manuel) just lost the playoff race to the Mets. Charlie Manuel and Cole Hamels just pulled their version of the Johan Santana/Jerry Manuel “I don’t want to win so I will pull my starting pitcher” act.

Why do these idiotic managers take out a starting pitcher who is dominating the opposition? Can some freakin’ manager say, “screw the 8th inning guy, I am keeping my starter in.”

It’s the stinkin’ playoff hunt for Christ’s sake!

Why does Phillies manager Charlie Manuel pinch hit for Cole Hamels in the top of the 8th with two out and no one on? Hamels was at 108 pitches! So what? I thought Charlie was a good manager, but he has really made some bonehead decisions the last couple of games.

In Wednesday night’s game, “Good Time” Charlie allowed Rudy Seanez to pitch to Carlos Delgado instead of bringing his best releif pitcher, Brad Lidge, especially when Delgado in 6 prior at bats against Seanez had produced two homers. Prior to that moment, Manuel refused to bunt over two runners with Shane Victorino in the bottom of the 6th, no outs. Santana got out of the inning with no runs scoring.

But, not allowing Hamels to pitch the eighth inning of tonight’s game was by far the biggest blunder. With your ace on the mound and having the best team in baseball down 4-1 in the bottom of the 8th, Hamels needs to be on the mound. NO EXCEPTIONS!

During the 70’s, Charlie was the better hitter of the two Manuel’s, but now Jerry is the much better manager.

He lets his big starters go that extra inning and Pelfrey has responded with two straight complete games.

I am damn sure that Cole Hamels could have finished this game, too, but I guess the 8th inning guy needed to pitch! But, after two excruciating games against the Mets where the Phillies bullpen was used (and abused in game 2), Charlie had the perfect opportunity to allow his ace to go the distance and save the pen for when they might really be needed. Not when your ace, Cole Hamels, is throwing a five hitter!

Hamels needs to be accountable, too. He should have demanded that he stay in the game, same as when Santana should have demanded to pitch the Mets 9th inning in that July 22 game with Philly.

You think Charlie Manuel would have learned from someone else’s mistake.

But, Good Time Charlie keeps making his own mistakes, and the Mets just won the National League East.
Posted by Joseph DelGrippo at 8/28/2008 7:38 PM
Categories: New York Mets, Jerry Manuel, Philadelphia Phillies, Charlie Manuel, Carlos Delgado
 

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