Is Rob Thomson a difference maker?
Depending on who you ask, Major League managers can be the difference makers in five to ten games per season, the rest is on the players. With Rob Thomson I beg to disagree. His biggest strength is also his biggest weakness. Although very analytical, his commitment to appeasing certain veterans, or in Sunday's case, commitment to giving them a full day off even if it costs the team a game is downright ridiculous.
Trailing the Nationals 6-4 with a man on first and no outs in the bottom of the ninth inning on Sunday, Thomson elected to have Cal Stevenson bat while Bryce Harper hung out in the dugout. Stevenson promptly hit into a double play. The last hope was Garrett Stubbs with JT Realmuto watching with the rest of his teammates. On the second pitch of the at-bat Stubbs grounded out to end the game.
When asked why he didn't pinch hit Harper, Thomson said, "I wanted to give both him and JT a full day."
Hard to not put in one of your best hitters?
"Absolutely, but I'm thinking long term as well."
Umm, the Phillies have Monday off. As it stands the remaining schedule is filled with teams who have winning records. There are only three series against non-winning teams (MIA, CHC, and WSH) so stacking up wins against inferior teams is a necessity. Faux pas, Topper.