In regards to the ongoing debate about inflated offense,a certain World Series game comes to mind. I had the pleasure of attending game 3 of the World Series and couldn't help but notice that Paul O'Neil was listed as the number three hitter against Glavine. Glavine throws lefthanded and I believe Paul had batted just .190 with three homeruns against southpaws.I commented on this fact to my brother and asked him if he was in a Sim -League,would he bat O'Neil third? His reply was,"I don't think I would even start him".
In O'Neil's first at bat he hit a soft flare to left to drive in a run.It was actually a good bit of hitting,but it was clear he was a bit overmatched. In his second at bit he grounded out to the catcher,about three feet in front of home plate.His third at bat the catcher pounced on a ball that rolled inches off the plate and threw him out.The final straw came late in the game when Torre had him sacrifice Jeter to second after Rocker,another lefty,came in to pitch.Even though Paul's last two at bats were perfect bunts,this time he was not up to the task,popping up into a double play.This type of managing takes place all the time in the majors. You can defend Torre's loyalty or you can attack it,it makes no difference. If you can find me one sim manager who would manage as Torre did, I will show you a manager who would not last very long.Just something to chew on, Happy Holidays to all.