Joe Maddon: The Man Behind the Glasses

[Chuck to Chuck]

Zobrist RF
Bryant 3B
Rizzo 1B
Contreras C
Schwarber LF
Russell SS
Heyward CF
Baez 2B

I think this is actually the right call here. Jay can sub in for any of the three outfielders if needed, Happ available to PH vs the Nats left-handed heavy pen. Good deal, Joe.

With a lead, Jay will go in late in center, Zobrist to left, Heyward to right. Would prefer Baez behind Schwarber.

[D. Doluntap]

Zobrist RF
Bryant 3B
Rizzo 1B
Contreras C
Schwarber LF
Russell SS
Heyward CF
Baez 2B

I think this is actually the right call here. Jay can sub in for any of the three outfielders if needed, Happ available to PH vs the Nats left-handed heavy pen. Good deal, Joe.

That's beautiful.

[World's #1 Astros Fan]

Zobrist RF
Bryant 3B
Rizzo 1B
Contreras C
Schwarber LF
Russell SS
Heyward CF
Baez 2B

I think this is actually the right call here. Jay can sub in for any of the three outfielders if needed, Happ available to PH vs the Nats left-handed heavy pen. Good deal, Joe.

They won while getting puke from Zobrist at the top.  "I look forward to Jay being back at the top of the lineup" is not something I thought I'd find myself saying  during the playoffs as recently as a month ago.  What a time to be alive.

[Saul Goodman]

According to Phil Rogers, Dusty Baker and Joe Maddon are "cut from the same cloth." Okay, Phil.

[ChuckD]

According to Phil Rogers, Dusty Baker and Joe Maddon are "cut from the same cloth." Okay, Phil.

They do both have birthdays among many other similarities.

[Canadouche]

According to Phil Rogers, Dusty Baker and Joe Maddon are "cut from the same cloth." Okay, Phil.

They do both have birthdays among many other similarities.

Both have managed the Cubs.

Both are from a bygone era and are known for running a loose clubhouse.

Both have lost change in couch cushions.

I could go on.

[D. Doluntap]

Joe's great. But not sure why he didn't go to Montgomery for Harper. He'd been warming for 6 innings.

Also Ron Darling sucks.

[Brownie]

Joe's great. But not sure why he didn't go to Montgomery for Harper. He'd been warming for 6 innings.

Also Ron Darling sucks.

Dusty thinks he outmanaged Joe. So do others. Very cute.

[SKO]

Batting Zo fifth against Scherzer and leaving out La Stella, who has hit Scherzer well in a small sample (and Scherzer has very pronounced splits anyway) is disappointing. His refusal to admit Zobrist isn't the same guy is getting to Dusty levels of veteran favoritism.

[SKO]

Shit with Scherzer's splits (.425 OPS vs RHB, .692 vs LHB) I'd have wanted Avila, La Stella, Happ all to find their way into the lineup rather than Zobrist.

[World's #1 Astros Fan]

Batting Zo fifth against Scherzer and leaving out La Stella, who has hit Scherzer well in a small sample (and Scherzer has very pronounced splits anyway) is disappointing. His refusal to admit Zobrist isn't the same guy is getting to Dusty levels of veteran favoritism.

I see this is Zobrist's Last Stand.  If he continues to not hit Joe's got to stop putting him in the lineup.  If you're going to sit Baez and sacrifice defense to get some offense in there (which is defensible...Javy's in a little bit of a down-cycle right now and Scherzer is tough), why would you not put in La Stella?  Again, if Zobrist actually ropes a couple balls off the wall today, then I'll just sit over here and drink my can of STFU.

[CT III]

Joe's great. But not sure why he didn't go to Montgomery for Harper. He'd been warming for 6 innings.

Also Ron Darling sucks.

This isn't getting enough attention. Good Lord I cannot stand the sound of that man's voice. Somehow he was convinced in Game 2 that Wade Davis spent 2016 setting up Chapman for the Cubs.

[Saul Goodman]

Joe's great. But not sure why he didn't go to Montgomery for Harper. He'd been warming for 6 innings.

Also Ron Darling sucks.

This isn't getting enough attention. Good Lord I cannot stand the sound of that man's voice. Somehow he was convinced in Game 2 that Wade Davis spent 2016 setting up Chapman for the Cubs.

Probably because this is the Joe Maddon thread. MODS! YOUS!

[Quality Start Machine]

Batting Zo fifth against Scherzer and leaving out La Stella, who has hit Scherzer well in a small sample (and Scherzer has very pronounced splits anyway) is disappointing. His refusal to admit Zobrist isn't the same guy is getting to Dusty levels of veteran favoritism.

How's that October Zen working out for ya, Hoss?

[SKO]

Batting Zo fifth against Scherzer and leaving out La Stella, who has hit Scherzer well in a small sample (and Scherzer has very pronounced splits anyway) is disappointing. His refusal to admit Zobrist isn't the same guy is getting to Dusty levels of veteran favoritism.

How's that October Zen working out for ya, Hoss?

I'm...not allowed to disagree with a lineup? I didn't drop any F bombs so I would consider that to be relatively tame as far as my criticism goes. I was also a touch disappointed that they lost in game 2 when I would have preferred they won. Sue me.