Add new comment

the continuity of a successful game behind the plate in a 1-0 game?
That's a real question on my part, not a statement dressed as one, and I direct it to those who've played some serious baseball at higher levels and have an informed opinion.
I fully realize that:
(a) you are BEHIND in the game, so run-SCORING takes on a higher urgency than run-PREVENTION.
(b) some, perhaps all of the options on the bench are better than Olivo in that situation.
(c) with the quality of the Rangers' 8th/9th relief the opportunity presented in the 7th with 2 out could be your last.
Those three factors alone seem to dictate you pinch hit for Olivo. Yet Wedge didn't pinch hit for Olivo. In the absence of an explanation from him, we're left to speculate why he didn't do it. Despite the clear indicators above, some other consideration(s) tipped the scales of decision back in the direction of letting Olivo hit.
Now it could be argued that Wedge just didn't think of it, or he did but he's an idiot, or some such explanation, but I think those can be safely set aside. Wedge was implementing his managerial instincts and knowledge as applied to that situation. Is it possible that despite the by-the-book thinking of (a) above, Wedge felt that in this specific game run-prevention took on a continued importance that outweighed an increased chance at run-scoring. And is it possible that Wedge judged that with the Rangers' potent offense, a single run in the 7th could easily (or would likely?) be answered by more runs than that in their final three at-bats? And is it possible that Wedge felt his best chance at suppressing the Rangers and keeping the M's within a run was Olivo behind the plate? After all, Olivo had been behind the plate for six successful innings, calling the game, handling the pitchers.
In this line of thinking, if the pinch-hit question had involved a left-fielder, or a third baseman, etc., then Wedge would have opted for the increased chance of scoring. But just how much do managers value continuity at catcher in a tight, low-scoring ballgame?  
Thus my question, to which I would LOVE to hear some knowledgable responses.