- Posts: 1531
- Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2012 5:01 pm
- Location: Colorado
Here is a prime example of the defensive substitution problem. In the 70's, I have all 3 OF positions in platoon situations. I have Jesus Alou (not one of platoon guys, just a sub) and Blomberg checked to be subbed for defensively late in the game with a lead. Crawford is already injured for me.
During the game, Steve Brye gets injured in the top of 9 with a 2-1 lead. Out trots Jesus Alou to play RF in the bottom of the 9th. Good move as he is the only one left on the bench that plays OF. Wait a minute, here goes Fred Stanley (no, not Mickey Stanley as he is playing CF) to play RF. ONE, he doesn't even play OF. TWO, what if the game gets tied up. My best hitter on the bench is now done for the game, wasted by running out to RF and back (not to mention how he has got to be pretty embarrassed). The same thing happened the next night with Stanley subbing for Blomberg.
I know the solution is to uncheck that box on Alou and Blomberg but Brye and Crawford were coming back from injury by game #3 of that second series. A player who is worse defensively should never substitute on defense for someone who is better.