2024 Cubs

[mrfelina]

Exactly, perfect example! I was all for abusing Chapman's arm as a rental (and a guy I didn't like), but that seemed really ill-advised because you knew you'd need him in Game 7. The counter argument is you have to get to Game 7, but it's not like he was the one kid on the LL team that could pitch, they had options and a big lead.

With a 5-run lead, bringing him in is questionable. With a 7-run lead...good god, what are you even doing, Joe?

Don't get me wrong, I really love Maddon. I think he was the perfect manager to take that team to their apex and it all worked out. But some of his weird decisions in the postseason...I don't know. But also, everything is under a microscope.

Anyway, I often think about how everything is different if they don't pull out the win in game 7...

Maddon would be so reviled if there wasn't a rain delay and that team didn't come back. Almost as if he did everything in his power to lose. Your example Butch is all you need to see how scared he managed regarding pitching. I can't think of another manager that uses Chapman in that game. That's the whole point of having a 5 run lead, then a 7 run lead...it lets you rest the closer and have him strong for game 7. Of course Maddon can use the argument you have to get there but it's a 5 run lead! 7 run lead! I have to believe the whole Cubs 108 years and all the bs that went with that played into some of those decisions but who knows, maybe just the WS alone made him so skittish.  

I remember just not believing it at the time--how he used him in the first place in that game and then kept bringing him out. I also remember fans thinking that Chapman was fine and he'd be just as good in game 7. Obviously, he wasn't. 

I loved Maddon too, loved the way he managed up until those playoffs. Man, he pissed me off in that WS. That team definitely won despite the decisions he made. Thank God.