No Real Option

I probably took too much offense at several fans emotional reactions to the end of Sunday night’s game. Everyone was ripping Conrad (and Bobby for not pulling him) but no one was offering alternative solutions. Late last week DOB wrote of the conversation he had in SF with a national writer (Verducci?) who looked at the Braves roster and was amazed how shorthanded they are.

Diory only had nine at bats all year, and only two since September first. As good as Cox is about getting backups at bats, the Braves were too busy fighting for a playoff spot. Those plate appearances went to corner infielders and outfielders. I’ve heard nothing lately from the team or beat writers about Hinske playing third, and don’t recall him playing a single inning there all season.

I thought Bobby might pull another double switch later in the game, like he did Friday night/Saturday morning. He could have after Glaus pinch hit. But when Melky and McLouth came in to play the ninth, that left Diory as the only pinch-hitter (and position player) available on the bench. Had Diory replaced Brooks and someone gotten hurt, Derek Lowe or Beachy would’ve had to play outfield (and McLouth the infield).

No way Conrad plays tonight. Whether Glaus or Diory, I’m not sure how much better off they’ll be. For an offense that managed only four hits Sunday, they need all the offense they can get. If Conrad were to play, the blame or credit for the outcome will indeed fall on Cox.

Very few of those blasting Cox and Conrad yesterday were posting celebratory messages early Saturday morning after the Braves won. On Sunday many were crying for more offense. That’s the only reason Conrad was playing. “Fans” also forget that Conrad virtually replaced last-years scapegoat, that pinch-hitter that did so bad. Conrad is the THIRD-string second-baseman.

As much as I hope Fredi is the new manager, we’ll see who all the Cox-bashers blame next year if a stronger Braves team falls short of the NLCS. The bullpen should be stronger, especially if they’re not overused. The starters and position players should be healthy, the rookies more seasoned.

That said, Cox does make moves that drive me crazy. In the ninth he went through three pitchers. Had he stuck with Kimbrell, they might’ve come out of the inning tied.