RG23SoxFan

Idk, I have worked at the same company 25+ years and have had numerous bosses. Some I liked/respected and others not so much. I have never consciously adjusted my effort/work ethic based on my feelings about my boss. Steve Stone has talked about numerous championship level teams where the players/manager didn't get alone real well. In the end I think these players should (or need) to realize that poor performance may cost LaRussa his job but they have plenty to lose personally as well. That said, you do make some valid points and I can't say for certain the whole LaRussa/Yermin situation hasn't caused the recent struggles. This is coming from someone who thinks that LaRussa handled the situation as poorly as possible.

you left your quote off: "You just wait, Tony has 9 outs left to do something stupid." I was commenting on whether or not stupid decisions would be made for the final 9 outs.

Thanks for your opinion, I truly respect it but sorry don't agree.

Is this another way of saying if we get the 9 outs and win TLR gets no credit and if we blow the lead it is all his fault?

Vaughn overcomes the LaRussa distraction...

These are professional ball players, if that truly has anything to do with it then this team is a group of mental midgets and won't win anything meaningful anyways.

Looks like TA needs to worry about his job instead of the manager's job.

Completely agree with this. I can't believe the expectations some have for him at this point. Not a chance I would consider including him in any trade.

I agree, I don't like losing as much as anyone but I am encouraged that they finally woke up mid-game today and showed some fight. Unfortunately they couldn't finish it off with the win.

Does it matter if the manager and player has issues with each other? If your a pitcher get hitters out, if you are a position player catch the ball and hit the ball, and if your the manager put your players in position to succeed. This weekend not many can say they did this.

I don't like how Larussa handled the situation at all. He could have handled it in a way that it wouldn't even been a story. I agree that their play this weekend had nothing to do with that whole situation. To be a winning, successful team it doesn't require a lovefest environment.

Yeah, I was pretty much joking as I know that would never happen for many reasons. As a fan the guy in our bullpen that I would feel most comfortable closing games would be Kopech though.

Maybe Hendriks and Kopech should switch roles.

This series alone I didn't like a couple TLR's decisions. When Marshall was able to escape the 8th on Friday night I was dumbfounded when he pitched the 9th. Also as noted I didn't like bringing in Ruiz in today's game. He has definitely done enough that I understand criticism coming from fans. I don't care about all this unwritten rules garbage and players getting their feelings hurt or becoming distracted etc... If these players can't perform because their manager is some old school guy then they are pretty mentally weak and probably won't win anything meaningful anyways.

That's fine, I am just talking about specifically the 9th. I don't really have a strong opinion on either side of TLR being the manager. Just seems those that are against him will never give him credit and those that are for him will never give him blame. I was fine with his decisions regarding pitching in the 9th, and didn't like bringing Ruiz into a 3-2 game.

So they intentionally walked LeMaheiu which I agree with and kept Bummer in to face a left handed hitter. I get that it wasn't a good situation to put Hendricks in, but I don't think it's asking a lot of your closer to be able to throw a strike when he absolutely needs to.

Closers aren't expected to get out of high pressure situations? are you joking?

Come on, how were the bases loaded? They intentionally walked LeMahieu(correct decision) and then kept Bummer in to face a left handed hitter. Going 3-0 on him was biggest issue, but Bummer made a great 3-1 pitch but they ended up getting a pretty lucky broken bat infield hit. I understand it was a tough situation to ut Hendricks in, but at least make Judge hit the ball.

Well let's see, when he has 3 balls on him yes I would rather him groove one than walk him. Are you serious?

LOL

Do you understand the game? Your closer probably is supposed to be the pitcher with the best control in your bullpen. That he can't throw a single strike(Judge swung just to get out of the way) is a problem.

I agree, I am pretty much indifferent about TLR. Criticizing TLR for keeping Bummer in is pretty much just going to come from TLR haters.

Sorry, I am not familiar with TLRstans but don't expecting Bummer to be able to pitch in the 9th doesn't seem like an unreasonable decision to me. If you can't count on one of your best relievers in a tie game in the 9th then managerial decisions aren't your biggest issue.

Bullpen was supposed to be a strength of this team and it's turning out to be one of the biggest weaknesses.

yes, if it weren't for bad luck wouldn't have any luck right now. Bummer makes great 3-1 pitch and they get a broken bat weak ass infield hit.