FanPost

One reason I like Maddon

At the game tonight, we were speculating that Maddon would leave Shields in for the 7th inning. He had thrown 99 pitches (Garza threw 114 or so the other night) and seemed to be getting stronger. When Reyes came in we were a bit surprised as it meant using at least one extra pitcher (probably). In the end, he did use 3 relievers.

 

After the game the interviewer asked Maddon whether he considered leaving Shields in and he said no-very firmly. What I liked was his reasoning which reflects his attention to detail and his multi-factor thinking. He noted that although Shields had thrown just 99 pitches, he had to use a lot of energy wiggling out of tough spots. He went on to explain the various factors that went into his decision based on the way Shields had pitched.

 

It is not a question of whether it was the right move or not. One could argue any number of possible alternatives. But listening to him, you see someone in absolute control of the situation with a definite view of the right approach. And reading analyses of the significance of pitch counts, one of the points often made is that it is not really the number of pitches but the circumstances in which they are thrown. Obviously Maddon buys into that and is not dogmatic about the number itself.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.