Manny Ramirez put the Angels down 0-2 in the ALDS when he took K-Rod deep in the bottom of the 9th for a three-run shot. The home run came after the Angels intentionally walked David Ortiz. After the game, a reporter asked Angels Manager Mike Scioscia about the move.
Obviously, the move didn't work out for the Angels. But, it was a no-brainer. Rodriguez had better numbers against Ramirez than against Ortiz. Also, Ortiz is regarded as one of the premier clutch hitters in baseball. Interestingly, K-Rod, like Boston Closer Jonathan Papelbon, is better against lefties than righties, generally. But, it's not a marked difference and the other factors are more compelling.
The announcers agreed with Scioscia. They predicted before Ortiz strolled to the plate that he might as well not even bring his bat, because he was headed for first base on an IBB. K-Rod got caught trying to sneak a fastball by Ramirez. Right move, wrong result. I just don't understand why the reporter would ask Scioscia about it. Sometimes, the right move yields unfavorable results. That's why you play the games. But, put the focus on the pitch and what Ramirez did with it. That's the story, not the managerial move.
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