Hara

The easiest thing to do in the world is second guess a manager's decision. But that's what I'm going to do because with Hara, it's too easy. In his short tenure as manager of the Giants he's already made enough rookie moves to make Nagashima consider making a comeback.

And tonight, vs Yakult, up 2-0, bottom of the 7th, and the pitcher, Wasdin up to bat. And he sends a pinch hitter. Wasdin is done. Now if Wasdin's pitch count is way high, I understand. His was 97 pitches. If there are runners in scoring position, and Hara wants the dame-oshi runs to score, I understand. Wasdin was the first batter of the inning. If Wasdin was shaky all evening, I understand. Wasdin was pitching a 5-hit shutout, and had retired the side in order the last two innings. If Hara had a great bullpen with a closer like Mariano Rivera (or even Takatsu), I'd understand. The Giants have no bullpen to speak of, and no closer for sure. With the Giants, if your starter is going strong, keep him in, because that bullpen is a recipe for disaster.

This resulted in the Giants losing a very winnable game. Of course, it is possible that Wasdin was tired and asked out of the game, or hurt himself, or something. Somehow, though, I doubt it. And the Giants are so strong on paper, that it is a pity that their micro-managing manager will drive them to mediocrity rather that a pennant.

Of course, I'm a Tigers fan, so I'm rooting for Hara to make similar moves throughout the year. And what about them Tigers? I may have to change my prediction of Carp's yuushou, especially with the warm-and-fuzzy atmosphere they now have in the dugout.