Don't know about you, but we're moving into the "Acceptance" phase. Slowly. Who cares if Davey Johnson knew Jason Motte was on deck with Pete Kozma at the plate in the 9th inning of a 7-7 game and decided not to intentionally walk Kozma? Here, via Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post:
Johnson said he considered walking Kozma. In the end, he believed his best chance lay with letting Storen — who had allowed two runs in his previous 24 innings — face the Cardinals’ No. 8 hitter. Johnson said Storen had simply put the game in question when he walked Yadier Molina and David Freese with two outs.
“But if right-on-right and we can’t get out the eight-hole hitter …” Johnson said. “Do I want to put him in a situation where he faces Cruz? I could have done that. But I wanted to give him the opportunity to make pitchers’ pitches, which I do all year. But unfortunately, early in the count, he gave up a hit to right. How many guys — here’s my closer, who’s death on right-handers, and he’s got a base open. He didn’t execute. (via Nationals Journal, 10/16/2012)
Anyway, we're finally ready to re-watch Kozma's 2-out 9th inning double. There it is above.
Time to move on.
(Screencap of Motte with his bat via MLB.com)
I thought I might be ready to click play, but I'm not there yet.
Posted by: NatsNut | October 17, 2012 at 11:09 PM
Was there in person. Don't ever need to see it again. You are cruel.
Posted by: DMan | October 18, 2012 at 10:08 AM
Isn't it conceivable that had Kozma been put on base the cards would have pinch hit for Motte?
Posted by: adam | October 18, 2012 at 01:03 PM