A stumbling performance today, but a win is a win is a win. Was Wakefield left in there for 5 innings to qualify for the win? He was clearly struggling in the 5th, but I guess that either shows Tito’s faith in him, faith in Brazelton’s deficiency, or just good ol’ unwritten rules: you don’t yank if your starter has a chance at the win. Good work by the bullpen today, with the exception of Leskanic. It was really interesting seeing Mendoza up there with a close lead, I think Tito’s finally coming round to the fact that somehow Ramiro’s refound his touch. It’s nice to see this on the box score:
Batters faced:… R Mendoza 3; M Timlin 3; K Foulke 3
3 innings each, 3 up, 3 down. Bang, bang, bang. Talk about shortening the game.
Anyone else think Francona’s gone all National League? Working pitching matchups, bringing in pinchrunners (Hyzdu for Belli, Roberts for Millar, Reese for Bellhorn). And kudos to Theo for assembling a roster that lets Tito keep mixing up the styles of play.