Who do you think made the decision to have Wang start today?

Question

Torre or Steinbrenner?

Answer 1

Actually, Wang went up to Torre and told him "hey, I'm ready to pitch game 4." It was Torre and Yankees pitching coach Ron Guidry who together decided that Wang would pitch, but only after Wang said he was ready to go.

Even if the Yankees do win the series, they might be a little tired going into the ALCS against the Red Sox (note I said IF) and their powerhouse batting lineup. The Sox also have an incredible pitching rotation, which the Yankees might have just as much trouble with as they have with the Indians.

This is really all or nothing for Joe Torre. I mean, Steinbrenner is an owner who expects his team to go deep into the playoffs, who expects him team to win the World Series. Torre hasn't made it to the Fall Classic since 2001 and hasn't made it to the championship series in either 2006 or 2005.

Answer 2

It must be George because it sounds like his type of move. He's gotten Joe to be really paranoid.

I do feel it is the best thing to do. I wanted Mike Mussina to start originally. However, that would mean Wang would start Game 5 in Clevland, and he isn't a good pitcher on the road, much less the playoffs. Since Wang is better at home, I think he'll feel more comfortable. Back in 2005, Wang won a start against the Indians at Yankee stadium.

In a big game , you need to have your best pitcher starting.

Answer 3

Clemens did. He forced Torre to spend Hughes in Game 3. Now instead of a rested Wang for Game 5 you have a tired one for Game 4. I can't believe Clemens isn't taking more heat for this.

But in this situation and regardless of what Wang says, you can't possibly go with Mussina over Wang in Game 4 whether you're Joe Torre, George Steinbrenner, or the ghost of Mickey Mantle. The question now is does Cleveland counter and start Sabathia in Game 4 after seeing how well Pettitte pitched in Game 2?

Answer 4

It was either Wang at home tonight or Mussina at home tonight and Wang on the road on Wednesday. And since he only pitched half a game, the "three days rest" reason isn't so important. The Sinker of Doom will be back tonight, and this series is going to a Game 5, and now that the Yankees have begun to unload the lumber, they will take advantage of the opportunities that Fatso Sabathia was trying to offer them in Game 1. Bring on the Red Sox. Then bring on the Rockies or Diamondbacks. Then bring on the ticker tape. Then bring on Joe Girardi, so Joe Torre (who made the choice of Wang) can retire in peace and we can end this fantasy that Don Mattingly could ever manage.

Answer 5

Torre,Wang can pitch better on short rest! This was Torre's plan,It has nothing to do with choice,Wang has a better sinker on short rest! Even some of the sports casters said this today! Now if he can't hold the game,The Moose is on call to come in! If there's a game 5 Pettite will pitch!

Answer 6

Well, it is not as though there a ton of options here with Clemens giving them nothing yesterday they were forced to pitch Hughes 3.2 innings and Ian Kennedy is not on the ALDS roster so basically the options are going with Mussina who has been iffy this year or Wang on short rest.

Answer 7

Torre is gonna' put out his ace when his job is on the line. If your job is on the line, you put out Clemens, Wang, and Pettite. The number one rule in baseball: Don't put out Mussina if your job is on the line; the only reason he pitches is to give the other pitchers days off, and the Yankees hope he will win. If Torre put the moose on the mound tonight, he would be fired tomorrow.

Answer 8

Torre, with Guidry's consultation.

Answer 9

Torre. If steinbrenner had his choice, he'd pick Ron Guidry.

Answer 10

Without question, Torre. It would be difficult to fire Torre for making bad decisions if Steinbrenner was making them himself. Where have you been Ballzy?