Post title is from the great Elvis Costello's song "(Angels Wanna Wear) My Red Shoes". Works in two ways because it is my darling wife's birthday today. Don't know how she manages not to look any older but she ought to share with me because it isn't working for me. And you would imagine living with me would age you quickly, but apparently not. It's party time this afternoon so I'm not sure how much of the game I'll get to watch.
We have Scott Richmond (6-6, 4.01) going against Ervin Santana (6-6, 6.25). It's been hard for Richmond to get into a rhythm since coming back off the DL at the end of July. He will likely be on a more regular schedule the rest of the way as Cecil will likely be shut down pretty soon.
Aaron Hill's homer last night has him on a pace for 39 on the season. If he keeps hitting like this guys are going to be lining up for concussions. Randy Ruiz had his first career stolen base last night, maybe we have a 30/30 guy. No?
Here's today's lineup:
I guess you'll notice that Moonraker is back to the 9th spot in the order. Never try to out guess Cito. I really don't understand since Bautista is hitting a big .196 against RHP (though with a .344 on base, amazing the number of times you can be walked if you don't swing the bat) and Barajas is hitting .130/.226/.204 since the All Star break. .130! I know he is a streak hitter but we haven't seen a hot streak since April. My whipping boy, Kevin Millar, is beating him out since the break at .175. You really can't win much when you have a couple of guys hitting like pitchers in the lineup.
During the game last night Jamie Campbell was saying that Cito said he would continue to play Barajas as the regular catcher because 'he is going into free agency'. Tabler did 3 minutes on 'this is way players like to play for Cito'. Of course, this is what drives me nuts about Cito. You aren't supposed to manage for the players, you manage to win. Putting a guy out there that is hitting .130 because he is in a contract year and you want to help him get a better contract is self defeating in more than one way. For one, hitting .130 isn't going to get you a big contract. And two, you are the manager, not his agent, it shouldn't matter to you what kind of contract the player might get. You are supposed to be putting the guys out there that give you the best chance to win.
Add in that Chavez is hitting .250 since the break and that Chavez is also looking for a contract after the season and you wonder what sense this is supposed to make. Why not play Chavez a lot so he can get a decent contract next year? Why is getting Barajas a good one more important that getting Chavez one?
Anyway, end of rant. Enjoy the game.