RSL Poll: Questionable Calls

The Guru
Contributing Writer

Red Sox manager John Farrell is arguably the American League manager of the year. After the disaster of 2012 with the-manager-that-shall-not-be-named, Farrell has been able to avoid the drama and the criticism and make the right moves.

However, following Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Rays, Farrell is being second guessed over a number of decisions that may or may not have cost the Red Sox the game. Welcome to playoff baseball, John.

In today's RSL Poll, we ask what move, if any, do you second guess Farrell on?

Pitching to Longoria

Up 3-0 in the fifth inning, Farrell elected to let starter Clay Buchholz pitch to the only Ray that could beat him - Evan Longoria. Longoria promptly hit a three-run homer to tie the game. On deck at the time was struggling outfielder Wil Myers who is 0-12 in the series.


Pinch running for Ortiz

After David Ortiz led off the top of the eighth with a walk and the score tied 3-3, Farrell sent in pinch-runner Quintin Berry to run. While Berry did steal second base, he did not score. The move ultimately took the bat out of Ortiz's hands in the top of the ninth. Mike Carp, hitting in Oritz's spot, struck out with Jacoby Ellsbury on third.


Not pinch-hitting for Drew

With two outs in the eighth inning, a man on second and the score tied, Farrell allowed Stephen Drew to hit against hard-throwing lefty Jake McGee on the mound. He struck out on six pitches. Drew hit .195 against left-handers this season and was 0-5 in his career against McGee. On the bench was right-handed hitting rookie Xander Bogaerts. In limited playing time, Bogaerts hit .467 against left-handers this season.

What say you, Red Sox Lifer's?




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