Quote:
Originally Posted by nolemmings
Can't handle the pressure? Please review your history. Blyleven had a complete game victory in the 1979 NLCS (final game), and left game 2 of the WS for a pinch hitter after 6 innings of a 2-2 tie. He was as responsible as anyone for the Pirates winning their possible elimination game 5 when he threw 4 scoreless innings of relief and got the win after entering with his team trailing. He was not passed over for a start-- he threw those four innings on two days' rest and was thus unavailable to start either game 6 or 7 in the ensuing 2-3 days. I'd say he handled the pressure just fine.
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The pressure comment was meant for Kershaw not Blyleven. Blyleven was sent to the bullpen because he was a selfish player who thought about his individual stats and didn't care about the team winning. Tanner didn't trust him to give him the ball with the season on the line. Also, the offense scored 7 runs in their last 3 at bats. That is the reason for the win, not Blyleven's pitching. Blyleven proved Tanner correct the next season when he threw a temper tantrum and quit the team because he was taken out of a game. The team chemistry was never the same when he returned and Tanner nicknamed him "Cryleven." He was traded at the end of the season for garbage.