Am i the only one still trying to figure out why Smoke started Determan over Dirks yesterday? I don't understand why you would start your #1 reliever when you have your #2 Starter sitting on the bench in an elimination game. Can anybody shed some light on the BRAIN FART that Smoke had when he made this decision?
I questioned that yesterday. No point in worrying about it now, though. It's all over and done with until next season.
Look, dude, I'm just now calming down over yesterday's debacle, OK? So don't start. :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:
I thought that was a poor decision as well. Yes, I would have started Determan....but that would have been in the SECOND GAME! When your back is against the wall, and you're down to your final loss before being eliminated, you've GOT to throw your best guy. Dirks should have started. Period. And if he faltered, and we fell behind, THEN Determan could have come in to help. But not before a last-ditch effort.
I totally agree with you! Why do it backwards and start Determan and bring in Dirks when Determan gets in trouble. You are making a starting pitcher become a reliever all of sudden.
Here's the deal. I heard Smoke's explanation somewhere but I can't remember where (I am 56, you know). Smoke had to go with his best pitcher in game 6. Based upon the last few weeks, that pitcher was Determan. Dirks struggled in his last 2 or 3 starts and Determan was simply nails over the same period. He knew he could use Dirks for 2 or 3 innings and still get mileage out of him in a game 7. Also, Meier would have been ready as well as 3 or 4 fresh arms that hadn't seen any action in the Regional or SEC tournament. It was a well thought out decision and not at all stupid. It nearly worked but for an .060 catcher who may never see that level again.
