ESPN.com – MLB/PLAYOFFS2003 – Neyer: That’s inexcusable

ESPN.com – MLB/PLAYOFFS2003 – Neyer: That’s inexcusable

My first thought last night was that Joe Torre should bring in Mariano, too, while the game was tied. But then I remembered that Mariano pitched two innings the night before–one that was crucial, one that earned him a save.

Should Mariano have come out Tuesday night, to be replaced by Jeff Weaver perhaps? In a clockwork world, sure. The game was decided and not having to throw 15-20 pitches has to be less stressful than throwing those pitches.

On the other hand, when Mariano comes into the game, he is essentially the Yankees last pitcher. I’m sure Joe didn’t have anyone warming up as the Yankees top of the ninth inning rally started. And if he didn’t have someone going at the start of the inning he probably wouldn’t have someone ready when the bottom of the ninth started.

Once Rivera’s out there does it make sense to pull him?

Also, given that Rivera pitched on Tuesday, even one inning, I don’t think Torre would lean on him to pitch two innings on Wednesday.

The fact is that the Yankees lost because they didn’t score in extra innings. If they had they would have had a huge advantage. Would it have been any greater if they used Rivera before they had the lead? I don’t see it. At all.