Mr October....Cliff Lee 7-2 post season, 2.13 ERA....80 K's

[tedzan]

Here's some of my observations of last nite's game......

Cliff started off in Cliff Lee fashion, striking out 3 in the first 2 innings. In the 3rd, Renteria gets on by an error, and Lee uncharacteristically
hits Torres. At that point, it seemed that Lee had momentarily lost his focus. Sanchez followed with a double to left to start a 2-run rally.
Then Lee recovered by striking out Burrell and Ross.

In the 5th, Lincecum led off by grounding out. Then Torres doubled to Left.

I have to insert this observation here....I thought both Sanchez's 1st double and Torres' double should have been (long) singles. Where the
heck was Texas Left-fielder (Cruz) positioned for these two Right-handed batters ? He was no where to be seen on the TV screen.

Anyhow, Lee gave up another double to Sanchez (which drove in Torres). Score is SF 3-2. Then Lee struck out Posey for the 2nd out. About
that point in the 5th, we all saw O'Day & catcher leave the Texas dug-out to go to San Fran's "pseudo-bullpen". And, so did Cliff Lee see this
action. I would bet it probably rattled him. I think Ron Washington made a premature decision.

My point here is....isn't the San Fran stadium a relatively new park ? So, what kind of modern Major League stadium, nowadays, doesn't have
a well-structured, enclosed bullpen beyond its outfield ? ?



TED Z