When Is A Specialist Not A Specialist?

by Erik Hahmann on May 3, 2009 11:06 AM EDT

We're going to play a guessing game. Ready? What do these two slash lines represent?

.312/.394/.465/.858

.210/.262/.325/.587

...

....

.....

Give up? Those are Brian Shouse's platoon splits for his career. The first line is against right handers, the second is against left handers. The Mariana Trench sized difference in those numbers should indiciate that Brian Shouse should not face a right handed batter. Ever. As in never ever ever. Especially not with the bases loaded, his team down a run and one of the league's best hitters in Kevin Youkilis at the plate. But that's exactly what happened last night.

I generally like Joe Maddon and agree with most of his moves. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and guess that he decided to bring Brian Shouse in because Shouse gets ground balls. His career GB% is 57.1, while this season it's an insane 76.7%. But that still doesn't excuse the move. J.P. Howell is a LHP who gets ground balls(51.1% career, 60.0% this season) and is decent against right handed bats(.756OPS). Howell also has the added advantage of being one of the Rays best relievers and has pitched very well in big situations over the past year or so. Why Shouse got the call over him is something I'll never understand.

Naturally, Youkilis suprised no one by lacing a double down the left field line and breaking the game back open in Boston's favor. If that wasn't bad enough, Shouse was left in the game to face Mike Lowell who lead off the following inning. Mike Lowell is right handed. Mike Lowell hit a home run.

I feel bad for Brian Shouse. He has a specific skillset, and when used properly is very effective. Using Brian Shouse against a right handed batter is like having a Podiatrist do your nose job. Sure, he's a Doctor, but that doesn't mean he should be fiddling around in an area he's not specialized in.

via www.tampabay.com

Tweet Comment 16 comments | 2 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I believe Ned Yost liked to use him vs right handers last year too

and it drove the guys over at brewcrewball up the wall.

Also not a good idea to take a guy who probably avgs 12-18 pitches per outing and leave him in there for 50 or so pitches.

"If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base."
~Dave Barry

by PriceMultiCyYoungs on May 3, 2009 11:56 AM EDT reply actions

Just a suggestion

Yeah I feel the move was entirely for a groundball. I feel that Lance Cormier should be used in this situation and taken out of the long-man role. He gets 51.3% GB and it has been higher the last few seasons. Maybe option down Balfour (think could be done) and bring up another pitcher to take up long relief.

by BrendanHarrisLives on May 3, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

We need a long reliever. Taking Cormier out of that role leaves a void.

and option Balfour? Are you high?

by Erik Hahmann on May 3, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Plus he can't be optioned.

by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

That too.

by Erik Hahmann on May 3, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Bottom Line

You are correct that this was an indefensible move with Youk at the plate. There is not a worse option in the bullpen.

by Doyouseeit? on May 3, 2009 12:13 PM EDT reply actions

Percival.

by R.J. Anderson on May 3, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Massarotti

http://www.boston.com/sports/columnists/massarotti/2009/05/decision_was_downright_maddoni.html

This is a piece talking about that sequence. if your the Rays, would you want Javier Lopez facing Longoria with the bases loaded? Maddon outmanaged himself last night. My bigger worry was Navi sacrificing with no outs last night.

These types of decisions DO lead to some significant second-guessing.

Put Tampa Bay back on our road uniforms!!

by joedobr on May 3, 2009 12:50 PM EDT reply actions

The way Navi has been hitting I was happy he laid down the bunt.

by Erik Hahmann on May 3, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Its easy to second guess

After the game is over. I don’t know, but in a slugfest, I hate to give up outs. I like sacrificing mostly in an 8th or 9th inning in a tie or one-run game. You got a point defending Navi, but in that spot, its a recipe for killing a rally. It can be a feel thing, but that is up to the manager.

Put Tampa Bay back on our road uniforms!!

by joedobr on May 3, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions

LOOGY's are generally around 50% PA's against each

Even though I can’t find significant information to back up the claim, just a spot check seems to show that most LOOGY’s are usually face righties about 50% of the time (and usually slightly more). This is probably a bit skewed since I’d imagine most of the times they face righties are due to the at bats really not mattering much.

He definitely shouldn’t have faced Youkilis in that situation, but it’s impossible to avoid righties altogether.

by tallyray on May 3, 2009 1:16 PM EDT reply actions