[gailtate]

In Game 7 of the 1964 World Series, the Cardinals' manager, Johnny Keane, left Bob Gibson in the game in the 9th inning even though Gibson, who was obviously fatigued, gave up two solo homers during the inning. Gibson closed it out by retiring Bobby Richardson (with Maris and Mantle due up next). Keane later said:

“He didn’t pitch only with his arm. He pitched with his heart. He’s got lots of heart … I went all the way with him because I was committed to this fellow’s heart.”

I think there's a place for that in today's game. You can't make every decision by relying on spreadsheets.

His team's utter collapse in the 1990 WS aside, Tony LaRussa's old formula still resonates: There are three seasons inside every year of baseball: the regular season of 162 games, the playoffs and then the World Series. Each requires its own strategies and tactics. What you did throughout the long season won't guarantee success in a short series of 5 or 7 games. On the contrary.

[gailtate]

In Game 7 of the 1964 World Series, the Cardinals' manager, Johnny Keane, left Bob Gibson in the game in the 9th inning even though Gibson, who was obviously fatigued, gave up two solo homers during the inning. Gibson closed it out by retiring Bobby Richardson (with Maris and Mantle due up next). Keane later said:

“He didn’t pitch only with his arm. He pitched with his heart. He’s got lots of heart … I went all the way with him because I was committed to this fellow’s heart.”

I think there's a place for that in today's game. You can't make every decision by relying on spreadsheets.

His team's utter collapse in the 1990 WS aside, Tony LaRussa's old formula still resonates: There are three seasons inside every year of baseball: the regular season of 162 games, the playoffs and then the World Series. Each requires its own strategies and tactics. What you did throughout the long season won't guarantee success in a short series of 5 or 7 games. On the contrary.