Collins’d II: The Dark Knight Returns

At two pivotal moments of the game, Terry Collins let a player persuade him to stay in the game when he should have been taken out. With the bases loaded and none out in the 6th, Cespdes fouled a ball of his kneecap and was allowed to stay in the game. Needless to say, unable to put much pressure on his leg he make weak contract, and had in been a ground ball he was an near-automatic double play since he couldn’t walk. The Mets would get only one run (on, it should be noted in light of future events, a very hard-hit Lucas Duda sac fly.)

Then, of course, there was the decision to bring Harvey into the top of the 9th, although Warthen had apparently told him he was done after 8 (superb) innings. I didn’t like the move, because I prefer my closer to start the inning, but it was not as obviously indefensible as, say, burning Familia in Game 3. Harvey was still throwing hard, and his pitch count wasn’t outrageous. But after the leadoff walk? You have to get him out of there. You don’t want him pitching against Hosmer from the stretch. You have an outstanding closer, and the side benefit of your blundering the previous two games is that he’s fresh.

Again, it could have worked. I’m guessing that Hosmer coming home was a good percentage play in that he had a better chance of scoring than the Royals have of getting a hit or E/PB/WP off Familia, but a good throw from Duda certainly gets him. But still. There’s nothing wrong with Cespedes and Harvey wanting to stay in the game — that’s how athletes have to think. But it’s the manager’s job to superimpose the interests of the team on top of that, and he failed twice. I hope it doesn’t cost his team an elimination game, but it might.

…taking Niese out after one inning for Addison Goddamned Reed? Now that’s indefensible.

…a proper tribute tomorrow, but congrats to the Royals; the better team won, and they’re a wonderful team to watch.