On Sunday’s game, there were two streaks on the line. The first was the Phillies’ nine game win streak, one they had cultivated by beating up on the weaklings of the league. The other was A’s eleven game losing streak. Only one was eager for their streak to continue while the other was just as eager for it to end.
In the ninth inning, the A’s were ahead 5-4 and had their closer on the mound. Mason Miller was on for the third game in a row and retired the first two hitters with ease, but allowed a single to Alec Bohm with two outs, who was removed in favor of more speed in the person of Johan Rojas. With Brandon Marsh up to the plate, two outs and a speedy runner on first….
The question of the day: would you, as manager, have given Rojas the green light to steal?
There are lots of outside factors to consider. How fast is Miller to the plate? How quick a release does the catcher, a rookie making his major league debut, have? Can Rojas get a good enough jump?
Does the risk (potentially ending the game) outweigh the reward (potential tying run in scoring position)?
What are you doing in the situation?