Quote:
Originally Posted by BigRedChief
I'm noticing a trend. How many times did a Larussa coached team play down to its opponents talent?
No research to back up this opinion. It just seems to me that Matheny coached teams take care of business better than Larussa teams. Although they do share the same affinity for just winning series's instead of going for the sweep.  |
There is some merit to this, but I think it's due to this reason:
Matheny rests players to give them a break. La Russa rested players to give the scrubs more PT. The result was that our bench players were sharp, but I felt it was very difficult to get marginal starters to play consistently, especially young players, as they were repeatedly yanked in and out of the lineup.
I'm not as concerned about the series thing. Far too often La Russa would outright punt the final game of a series or Sunday games.
Remember "Pujols and the scrubs"? Happened for years. Matheny seems to have a good feel of when to get his position players in and out of the lineup. His bullpen management has also improved, in spite of Boggsian implosions.
Overall, he's shown growth and an inability to learn to this point. I'm very pleased.