Showalter/Rogers decide AL West

by Larry E on Sep 24, 2005 8:19 AM PDT Comment 7 comments

Kenny Rogers was scheduled to pitch against the Angels on Thursday on the normal 4 days rest. Apparently his manager, Buck Showalter, gave him the option of not starting in that game in order to start the next day (yesterday) against the A's. Given the choice, Rogers chose to pitch against the A's. Kenny Rogers is by far the best starting pitcher on the Rangers. He is an all-star and is 6th in the AL in ERA.

Now teams are free to do as they please. Having been eliminated teams often use the last portion of the their schedule to test out some of their prospects even if it means sitting out some regulars. They may be slightly less competitive in these games but they benefit in the long term.
However, there is an unwritten rule that you do not do this if the team you are playing is in a realistic run for a play-off spot. To do so would be unfair to the other team(s) involved in that play-off race. Basically, teams out of the race should not have an undue influence on the race.

So putting these two things together it is clear that Showalter and Rogers have had an undue influence on the outcome of this race. Here is how much. It is totally realistic to imagine the Angels losing to the Rangers and Rogers on Thursday and for the A's to have beaten whatever rookie starter they would have faced last night. Folks, that's a swing of 2, yes 2, games in the standings.

If this wasn't enough. Suppose the A's make a dramatic comeback and are still in it with three games to go. The Angels are in Texas that weekend and would totally miss Rogers again since Rogers should now be scheduled to pitch next Wednesday and then not again. Yes he could come back on 3 days rest for the last game of the season but you'd have to think that even if he did he would be far less effective and not go as deep into the game.

In my view, this is unacceptable and I would hope that at the very least Bud Selig would look into the matter.

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I understand Kenny's angle:

the guy kicks ass at the coliseum. But still, rearranging the pitching schedule to have him pitch here was an absolute gift to the Angels, and was totally BUSH.

Scroo yoo Bucky... you and Scioscia are cut from the same cloth.

by Brian in 317 on Sep 24, 2005 8:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes but,

Showalter should never have given him the choice. This is my main point.
By choosing to pitch against the A's, Rogers is demonstrating how selfish and gutless he is.

Most accomplished players would take what challenges are presented to them. They don't need to pick and choose. Besides, we aren't talking about choosing between the Yankees and the Royals offences. Is he afraid of the Angels?
Is a potential minor padding of his stats more important than the integrity of the division title.

by Larry E on Sep 24, 2005 9:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking about this...

I was like, "What the hell??" Pitchers shouldn't be allowed to do that. It was like in Atlanta when Timmy wanted to pitch against Z, but he wasn't allowed to. There's reasons for that.

This was a bad desicion by Bucky.

So long Byrnes.

by LovinTheByrnes12 on Sep 24, 2005 10:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I do like this idea

of the Mariners teaming up with us, though. I hope we can swing it -- the AL West would be hella interesting if that happened.

Absolute bush league stuff, though. I understand Rogers wanting to pitch against the A's, even if it's SHADY, but there's no damn reason to rest ALL THEIR GOOD RELIEVERS for the A's, too.

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings." -Earl Wilson

by Kyli on Sep 24, 2005 10:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Trouble with Rangers

I wonder if this has anything to do with the poor relationship between the Rangers and A's (or A's fans). I mean if you had to pick a team that would think they have a motive to stick it to us it would have to be the Rangers. Especially with the chair tossing episode. Remember, Showalter was inappropriate there solely blamely the A's fans and the A's for their lack of security.

by Larry E on Sep 24, 2005 12:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Selig won't do crap.

I was reading a bit about the old days when Bowie Kuhn was smacking down Finley on a regular basis. Now whatever side you want to take, you'll agree that baseball needs a commissioner that will be independent from the owners and actually do what's good for the game.

Obviously that's not Selig.

I thought the Rogers move was utterly disgusting and I lost all (remaining) respect for Bucky and his Boy Sidekick Kenny. I was particularly mad about saving his best relievers for us. But it's not getting punished by management. We'll just have to exact revenge now and next year.

It's a shame pitchers don't have to bat in the AL. I would not have condemned a valentine or two on the inside part of the plate for Kenny-boy. And yes, one or two wild pitches into the dugout at Showy.

by Apricot on Sep 24, 2005 9:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Buck Showalter: My take

He's always been the person in the major leagues I most hate. He is absurdly egomaniacal. Absurd not just in his ego's extent, but also for the fact that he's pretty stupid.

He was and is a stupid manager, ridiculously overrated. He doesn't win with good talent, and in fact alienates those who play for him. Bet the trade of Ryan Dreese really went over well this year.

He's also a horrible game manager. All of LaRussa's worst faults with none of his strengths. Overmanages idiotically. Intentional walks that make no sense--like the one to Guerrero the other night. Relievers flying in and out of the game. One of those guys always pointlessly trying to put his stamp on the game. Rangers fans should hate his guts.

But there's more: He was a complete dick on Baseball Tonight. Had nothing of value or insight to add, ever. Showed that he understood nothing. Was wooden and stupid. Unable to think on his feet. Clearly never prepared in any meaningful way.

That he's a vindictive little prick who would weakly try to insert himself into the race by unethically not starting Rogers is no surprise at all. Anything to assert himself on the moment at hand--even if he should just be getting the hell out of the way.

He's really a dispicable little fuck who I wish would be fired so I'd never have to see or hear him again.

That's what I think of that asshole.

by RLangford on Sep 25, 2005 12:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs