Yesterday, with a Game 1 win and a 4-3 lead after 6 innings (props to Zach McAllister) of Game 2, who did the "Former Montreal Expos" (his words) call on to hold the lead? Zach Puntnam. Zach Putnam? Zach. Mother. Fucking. Putnam. The non-prospect went right ahead and handed the game to the ChiSox by allowing hits to 3 of the first 4 and then unceremoniously plunking Paul Konerko before taking his 10.80 ERA and first big league loss to the showers. Weird that Nick Hagadone (a man with an actual future in the majors) came in and tossed 1.2 scoreless. With all of the options available to him with expanded rosters, after playing the 7-8-9 game perfectly in the top half of the twin bill, Acta looked like a colossal idiot in gifting Chicago with a victory.
"Oh," you say, "Manny was just testing the young talent in a key situation." Hmm. Even if we disregard the fact that Putnam does not qualify as "talent," Acta went right ahead and did himself one better (worse?) this evening.
Hang on, I have to breathe.
First, Manny refused to pull Ubaldo Jimenez. He refused to pull him after six 1-run innings and a 2-1 lead. He refused to pull him as U hit 100 pitches and allowed the Sox to tie the game. He refused to pull him following 2 seventh inning walks and a wild pitch. Jimenez remained in the game long enough to serve up a two run single to Alejandro De Aza on pitch 116.
Not so bad, right? 4-2? The Indians, back in the hole, still clung to a chance for a late inning comeback. In fact, the bats put up two in the bottom of the 8th. The game goes to the 9th knotted at 4. What? Really?
Yeah, I forgot about the most compelling piece of evidence that Acta has gone off of the reservation. With his team trailing by two, with so many goals left to play for, with that huge fucking stable of arms in the 'pen...
I might not be able to say this...
Acta brought in Chad Durbin (FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) to pitch the 8th. Durbin was able to retire three hitters, that much is true. Around those outs, though, the White Sox scored four runs on three long balls. Yes, three home runs. I have not the lexicon to explain the intense level of apathy and misjudgment that might allow this to happen.
Bah.
I will delve in to personnel issues when the season is done. For now, let me say this...
Priority #1 for 2012 MUST be adding Mike Sarbaugh to the major league coaching staff. My preference would be for him to replace Crack-ta, but I shall remain realistic (for now). For those who do not know, allow me to briefly detail Sarbaugh's resume. He has managed for 8 seasons (2004-2011) and has risen from SS-A (Mahoning Valley) to AAA. He has never had a losing season (worst @ .522, career .585). In those 8 years, he has won FIVE league championships. In each of the past two years with the Clippers, Mike's team has taken both the Governor's Cup as the IL Champion and the AAA National Championship. During his 22 consecutive years within the Indians organization, Sarbaugh has won championships as a player, coach and manager. He has already managed 22 of the 40 man roster (excluding rehab stints). Enough is enough. If for no other reason than to change culture, Mike Sarbaugh needs to be with the Tribe in 2012.
Here's to Acta getting crushed by a falling piano.
Cheers.
