Discussion: Is Scioscia Smart or Just Lucky?
October 20th, 2009 | by Garrett Wilson |The Fox announcers questioned several of Mike Scioscia’s decisions in Game 3 of the ALCS, but despite their second-guessing all of Scioscia’s calls worked out just fine. But was did the Angels win because of Sosh’s masterstrokes of genius or did they just get lucky?
Sure, Jeff Mathis runs decently, but he is no burner on the basepaths, why not pinch-run with Reggie Willits? Think about just how close Mathis got to being thrown out at third base on the sacrifice bunt. If Mariano Rivera had made a good throw, he had a good chance at nabbing Mathis, but likely wouldn’t have if it were Willits? Perhaps Willits would’ve been able to score on the diving stop Mark Teixeira made one batter later? Lord know that Scioscia wasn’t leaving Mathis in for his .211 batting average and they did have another catcher on the roster, what was Scioscia saving Willits for?
And why not pinch-hit for Mathis in the eleventh? Mathis did have a double earlier, but the statistical play was to pinch-hit with Gary Matthews who is both a better hitter and had the advantage of being a lefty swing facing a righty pitcher. If there was ever going to be a time for Scioscia to use a pinch-hitter, that was the time. But Sosh went with his gut and left Mathis in and it worked out. Did he know something we didn’t or was it just a wild guess?
So which is it, Scioscia the genius or Scioscia’s lucky rabbit’s foot?
Is this man a genius or just really, really lucky?
Let us know your thoughts and join in on the discussion by leaving a comment below. NOTE: Comment moderation is currently turned on so I have to approve your comment if you have never made one at this blog before, but I will try and be fast about it, after that you can comment freely. I know it is a hassle, but it is outside of my control for now.
Tags: Discussion, Gary Matthews, Jeff Mathis, Mike Scioscia, Reggie Willits, second-guessing
By Vanessa on Oct 20, 2009
I believe Scioscia was more lucky than smart in leaving Mathis in. Yes, in the past, Mathis HAD been pretty decent with RISP, but even that had fallen off before his injury. There is a reason I call him the offensive balck hole. Most of the time he is an almost automatic out, as his batting average can attest to. So, in most cases I say that Sosh knows his guys better & definitely has more knowledge & experience in the managing arena, so his judgement should be trusted; however yesterday it was sheer serendipity that Mathis got the game winning double. I hope we are fortunate enough to overcome the errors of the first couple of games, & continue to win now that we have one under our belts, & go on to take the World Series! Go Halos!