WS ... of Phones and the Failure to Ask Questions

So, by now you probably have heard the story of the strange bullpen fiasco that happened in Game 5 of the World Series.

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Actually, this happens quite a bit. This was certainly one of those times.

The Cardinals were stuck in the 8th inning without their best reliever, closer Jason Motte, available to pitch to the series hottest hitter, Mike Napoli. So ... Napoli, a right-hander, doubled off of Cardinal left-hander Mark Rzepczynski to drive in the go-ahead runs.

The story goes ... Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa calls to the bullpen to get his closer Jason Motte and the bullpen coach hears a different name ... twice.

Okay, let's leave the phone story for what it is. The Cards say that LaRussa tried to get Motte up and warming twice, but the bullpen coach misunderstood.

I want to focus on one of these mistakes and what it might say.

The second time the LaRussa called for Motte to warm up, Lance Lynn got up. Lynn sounds different than Motte, but let's leave that one alone. Here's the real issue: Lynn was unavailable to pitch in Game 5. LaRussa confirmed this after the game. The Cardinals knew this.

To prove the point, Lynn came in (to stall for more time) and intentionally walked the next hitter. He was then removed.

So, here's the obvious question. Why did no one ask LaRussa if they heard right that he was asking for Lynn? What about Lynn himself? What about the bullpen coach? What about a teammate? Some one? Any one? No one wondered? Sure they did. But no one spoke up.

Asking a simple question might have saved the game for the Cards. But we will never know.

I think what you want is a team that has the fortitude and smarts to say, "Is this what you are asking me to do, Skip?" LaRussa has a history of making unconventional moves, so perhaps his guys are used to that. But here, he was asking a pitcher who every one knew was unable to pitch ... to pitch. At least that's what they thought. Was there some one there who could confirm what the instructions really were?

I want our players to be willing to do what we ask, but also willing to ask and make sure they understand what we are asking of them ... and, as much as possible, understand the reason why.

In other words, make sure you understand. Once you do, then let's move forward full speed.

If a team is unwilling or unable to ask a question in such an obvious situation as presented in the Lynn phone fiasco, I think that indicates there may be largers issues/problems afoot.

So, have the courage and leadership to ask the questions you know you need to ask.

And then have the courage to follow through and do what you know needs to be done.

See you on the field ...

Lots to Learn in a Great World Series

I am really enjoying watching this World Series unfold. I am a NL fan, but the Rangers are winning me over with their grit and approach.

We were discussing Quality AB's this fall as our goal of each AB, and one of our players told me that the Rangers have a definition of a Quality AB on their batting cages. You can see the consistent application of a practical mental-game approach that has brought guys like Matt Harrison from obscurity to the starting rotation in the playoffs.

And then we saw last night. The Cards seemed to have broken the Rangers' spirits after a 16-7 rout for the ages when Albert Pujols and Co. made history and seemed to turn the series in St. Louis's direction.

And then the Rangers put their fate in the hands of Derek Holland, a promising young lefty who had struggled through the playoffs with an ERA above 8 ... yes, 8 ... the next night. All Holland did was shut out the Cardinals for 8-2/3 while only giving up two hits to Lance Berkman. The series is now even, 2-2.

Here's a great recap of Holland's and Ron Washington's thinking that set the stage for last night's special WS moment:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs/2011/story/_/id/7141337/2011-world-series-derek-holland-star-performance-evens-series

So, the night after the Cards looked like they were incapable of being stopped ... a young lefty who had struggled through the post-season shut them down (and nearly out) because he stayed in the moment and remained committed to his approach.

If he keeps doing this, we'll come to expect it of him, too.