I saw the final out and I'm pretty sure the runners were at 2nd and 3rd. Did Matsui steal 2nd during Tejada/s AB?
He was correct. Runners were at 1st and 2nd. So scratch that, you certainly don't walk Tejada in that case. In fact, even with the runners at 2nd and 3rd, not sure if it's better to pitch to the cleanup hitter batting .307. I would pitch around him, maybe. Tejada hates to walk, so he would be aggressive and possibly strike out.
i said the same thing as i was watching it. and the right thing was to pinch run for him. until LSUtexan pointed out there was no one left. hampton is the only better option but you cant risk a starter with injury history in that situation. so cooper made the right decision once i have all the information. its ok to admit youre wrong. and you are. and almost no matter the situation i pitch to tejada before carlos lee. i could strike out tejada pitching with my opposite hand 1 out of every 3 times.
If 1st base is open with 1 out with the score tied in the bottom of the 9th, you walk him to set up a potential double play, even if Ty Cobb is on deck. Elementary, my dear tirkson.
coaching strictly by the book is for losers. id pitch to tejada all day everyday and never look back with lee on deck. 9 out of 10 times ill get that washed up bum out. but truth be told, if i was cooper i would walk him before facing backlash from idiot writers and fans who wouldnt understand.
