TORONTO -- Welcome to third base coaching with the Red Sox, Carlos Febles.
Febles got his first taste of real controversy Tuesday night, executing the time-honored tradition of meeting with the media after sending a runner at a perceived ill-advised time. (Third base coaches don't hold media sessions when guys are safe.)
This time Febles answered the questions because of a play in the ninth inning, when he decided to send Eduardo Nunez from second base on Brock Holt's single to left field. If safe, Nunez would have represented the go-ahead run. But the risk was perceived fairly significant not only because Granderson had gathered the ball just as Nunez was rounding third, and Mookie Betts was due up next.
As it turned out, Granderson threw a strike to catcher Russell Martin, who was waiting for Nunez before the baserunner could even attempt a slide.
#RedSox @ #BlueJaysHolt's game-tying knock (00:24)MLB Gameday: https://t.co/WopjIU51oO pic.twitter.com/MObSg6AJ2w
— Ballpark Videos (@BallparkVids) April 25, 2018After the Red Sox' 4-3 loss, both manager Alex Cora and Febles defended the decision.
"Aggressive. Two outs, you know. The guy has to make the play," Cora said. "It's an aggressive one, but you have to challenge Granderson. We've been challenging Granderson for more than five years. He made a perfect throw and threw him out." (Later, when asked if he was on board with the decision, he said, "I'm OK.")
"It was an aggressive send," Febles said. "The way we've been swinging the bat the last three games we haven't got a big hit in those situations. We've been challenging Granderson the last three or four years. That's based on reports. Why not take a shot? Unfortunately he made a good throw. That, to me, was a time for me to be aggressive and try and make something go."
While Febles was talking, Hanley Ramirez walked by, supporting his coach.
"You've got to send him with two outs," he said in mid-stride. "You've got to."
The Red Sox did tie the game on the bases-loaded single by Holt, with Rafael Devers coming in.
