There is a short list of absolutes in this world. But a precious few decisions have enough historical precedent as to render them so insanely idiotic that they should get a man reprimanded/fired/drawn-and-quartered. For example:
- Invading Russia (see Napoleon or Germany)
- Betting on the Bills in a Super Bowl
- Allowing your kids to play at Michael Jackson's house
- Buying any movie starring Rob Schneider
- Leaving Albert Pujols on the bench of a one-run game in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and the bases loaded
I should not have to explain to even the most hare-brained baseball fan about the last one. But Tony LaRussa, with a chance to finally end a 10-game winless streak against the American League, for some reason left on the bench the best hitter in the NL, maybe in the majors, over the last six-plus years.
Let's even totally bypass that he should have hit for Orlando Hudson, if not earlier. Orlando Hudson was a marginal all-star anyway, and with two on, two out, and Francisco Rodriguez on the mound, his odds of getting a hit were crappy at best.
But the baseball gods smiled on LaRussa. The O-Dog walked. Even better. Nowhere for the AL to put Pujols. You get him out, or you blow it, either losing or facing extra innings.
Every fan in America at this point has to wonder why Aaron Rowand was even on the on-deck circle with Hudson up. Every American League fan then began to rejoice: he actually walked up to the plate!They can't believe it. Neither can Senior Circuit fans, who are waking the neighbors with screams and throwing things at the television, pleading with LaRussa to regain consciousness.
Before this rant goes catatonic, let's try to be reasonable. This guy just won the World Series. He is the leading active manager in wins. He had to have a reason. Maybe:
Pujols is hurt. Didn't look hurt launching several 450-foot bombs in the Home Run Derby 24 hours ago.
Aaron Rowand needed an AB, fear of favoring his guy. Rowand had already struck out. And not one writer or fan from St. Louis to Philadelphia to Siberia would have criticized the move.
(Now Pujols is rightfully irritated that LaRussa didn't play him. So the two of them get to bring that baggage back to St. Louis, which is nice.)
Saving him for "later." The reason claimed by LaRussa. What "later" is he talking about? What more important future scenario requiring Pujols could he possibly envision? Derek Lee runs well, and would likely have scored the winning run on a mere base hit. A walk was virtually the only game-preserving outcome, and even then, against two of the most dominant closers in the game, IT'S A SPECTACULAR OUTCOME FOR THE NL.
Pujols is slumping. I would take Pujols with an advanced case of polio over Rowand on steroids any day. This season Albert is still statistically better with his worst half ever paired against Rowand's best. Comparing them historically in this space is insulting to Pujols and cruel to Rowand.
Gut instinct. With his track record, almost an argument. But a gut without a brain is just a wild guess.
No explanation that comes close. Pujols should have hit. There is no excuse. LaRussa has seen Pujols in person hit ninth-inning, game-winning homers off closers like John Smoltz and Brad Lidge. How could any other scenario been more appealing?
Aaron Rowand is a nice player. But he can't hold Pujols' metaphorical jock strap. And you know the feeling in K-Rod's gut would have been a little different if Pujols, in his intimidating stance, was glaring coldly back at him from home plate. By comparison, Rowand couldn't be scarier if he had a chain-saw and a Jason mask.
Everyone wanted to see it, too. Rowand himself probably contemplated telling LaRussa to pull him. So did the rest of the NL bench.
Imagine, one of the greatest moments in All-Star Game history. The NL's best hitter up against one of the most dominant closers of the last few years. Power vs. Power. Nowhere to put Pujols. The All-Star Game, homefield advantage for the World Series, and a ton of NL pride all on the line.
Here's the pitch ... and Aaron Rowand flies out to right.
We were robbed.
July 11, 2007
marc cheiken:
I could not agree with you more. Tony LaRussa can say what he wants but there is no good reason to leave Albert Pujols on the bench in that situation and he knows it. Every baseball fan in America should feel cheated. The All Star game is about the stars of the game not about the petty and egomaniacal behavior of the managers. After investing four hours in last night’s game and then for the game to hinge on the last at bat in the bottom of the ninth and not see Puljos pinch hit was such a huge disappointment. LaRussa should be embarrassed. I like Aaron Rowand but if you are really pulling out all the stops to win, he doesn’t come to the plate in that situation, period.
July 11, 2007
Blake:
Absolutely brilliant article! You’re exactly right, the baseball world was robbed of what could of been a classic all star game. But we’ll never know. I’m a Cards fan, die hard in fact. Sitting on the couch with my $290 MLB authentic Pujols jersey. Just waiting, after the 6th inning, 7th, 8th “Pujols has to be in now” Nope, 9th inning, Hardy walks “here comes Pujols!… ughhh no” Hudson walks.. “OMG, perfect, they’re loaded! “HERE COMES PUJOLS!”….. “WHAT!??!!” Which was followed by hundreds of profanaties.
Unreal, you couldn’t of said it better, we were robbed.
July 12, 2007
David LaKari:
The only thing going through my mind is that maybe Tony is trying to lite a fire under Pujols for the second half he has not had a Sir Albert first half. Maybe in his childish minute little brain of his he grasped this opportunity to get Albert mad and maybe he will go out and have a 40 hr 80 RBI 2nd half just to spite LaRusso.
July 13, 2007
Kim A.:
I couldn’t agree with you more either. There is no rational or reasonable explanation for holding out Pujols in that kind of situation.
Even IF LaRussa was “saving” Pujols for an extra inning situation, he really needs to buy a clue. Guess what LaRussa? If you don’t score with the bases loaded with the batter in the box with two outs, you AREN’T GOING TO HAVE A CHANCE TO GET TO EXTRA INNINGS YOU IDIOT!!!
I mean, it would have been one thing to hold out a player on another team. But no…not only does he do it, but he does it to a member of HIS OWN TEAM!!! I don’t care what comes out of Pujols’ mouth…if he was not at least slightly miffed about LaRussa holding out, he’s not human because every true National League fan was SCREAMING for Pujols to come up to the plate.
Note that I have nothing against Rowand. However, as others have said, he is no Pujols and he never will be. IF LaRussa was saving Pujols for a key moment…there really wasn’t a better moment than that! It’s pathetic and an utter joke that we had to be subjected to such lunacy.
The NL’s near comeback was crafted and practically scripted moment by moment. It was working beautifully…and LaRussa chose to blow it. Honestly, how much common sense does it take to put in your best player at the biggest chance the NL has had to win in the last 10 years that Hoffmann, for the first time, hasn’t blown? I’m flabergasted and downright disgusted with LaRussa. I thought he was a mindless misfit before…but his choice proved my point all these years to people.
I’m simply irate that it had to come at the expense of the rest of the NL players that gave it their all. If St. Louis knows ANYTHING, they will do away with LaRussa ASAP.
I’m no Cardinals fan, but if I were…I know I’d be even more upset than I already am about it.