I never thought I'd say it (NLCS)

[Clarkmeister]

But I finally found someone who manages his pitching staff worse than Tony LaRussa. Garner is freaking brutal.

[ThaSaltCracka]

Francona?

[tj00]

I thought pulling Backe was a mistake. Garner seems too quick to go to the pen. I do not understand why Backe even started gmae 1 on 3 days rest. Let him pitch game 2 and he can still pitch game 5 with 4 days rest.

Go Stros

[bugstud]

Baker?
Torborg? Whichever marlins manager ruin AJ Burnett anyway

[cjromero]

As an Astros fan, I can honestly say that Garner was out of his league managing against Cox in the NLDS, and he continues to make idiotic decisions in the NLCS.

Backe should have been given the opportunity to close out the 5th inning. It's not like Qualls has been lights out in the playoffs. If the Cards tie it with Backe on the mound, then it's fine to bring someone else in.

And why in the world did Garner leave Qualls in the game to face Walker and Edmonds in the 6th? He should have brought Gallo in to face those guys.

Anyone else think Garner should have walked Pujols in the 1st inning to pitch to Rolen, who was hitless in the playoffs at that point?

[nolanfan34]

Two things:

[ QUOTE ]
And why in the world did Garner leave Qualls in the game to face Walker and Edmonds in the 6th? He should have brought Gallo in to face those guys.

[/ QUOTE ]

Gallo isn't a shutdown lefty specialist. His splits aren't spectacular against lefties. And the way the Cards lineup is constructed, Gallo would have had to face Pujols and Rolen before getting to Edmonds. Well guess what...those guys both crushed lefties this year. Edmonds himself has been hot against lefties this year as well.

If Garner uses Gallo, it will most likely be a one batter only scenario.

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone else think Garner should have walked Pujols in the 1st inning to pitch to Rolen, who was hitless in the playoffs at that point?

[/ QUOTE ]

I deem your sample size IRRELEVANT. Rolen had three hitless games. Yes, he's been hurt, but it's not like he forgot how to hit. I think in the first inning of the game, with a 2 run lead, you need to pitch to Pujols and at least try to get him out. If they now walk him the rest of the series I wouldn't blame them though...

[andyfox]

"Anyone else think Garner should have walked Pujols in the 1st inning to pitch to Rolen"

Any manager who intentionally walks a batter in the 1st inning should be fired immediately. And if he walks said batter to face Rolen, the firing should take place sooner.

[WDC]

May I add the name Gardenhire.

[Wingnut]

It's as if he's been possessed by Jimy Williams lately. I hate seeing a team need 5+ pitchers to give up 2 runs (not that it was that way last night, but you get the idea).