Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch was the subject of a lot of criticism for not using Gerrit Cole in relief in Game 7 of the World Series, and his latest explanation is unlikely to change many minds.
Hinch said Friday that he and Cole had two ground rules for the pitcher’s Game 7 usage: Cole would not be used in the middle of an inning, and he would not be brought in while the Astros trailed.
A.J. Hinch said he and Gerrit Cole had "agreed upon" two rules before Game 7: he was not coming in the middle of an inning and he was not coming in a game Houston was trailing
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) November 1, 2019
"We had to make a decision on whether regular relievers who had been elite during the World Series, rested guys, were going to be a better option than Gerrit. We all know how it played out," Hinch said.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) November 1, 2019
Hinch’s first rule is logical. Starters aren’t used to coming in with men on base. If Hinch was set on removing Zack Greinke, bringing in Will Harris, who had been outstanding for the Astros all season, was an entirely defensible move.
The second rule, however, doesn’t make sense. The Astros needed outs, and they could not afford to allow more runs. Bringing Cole in trailing 3-2 in the 8th was a no-brainer. If he gave up more runs, the Astros could at least say they tried to staunch the bleeding with their best option. Instead, they tried to get through the 8th and 9th with Roberto Osuna, Ryan Pressly, Joe Smith, and Jose Urquidy. Osuna has been good, and Urquidy came up huge for the team in the postseason, but none of those pitchers are Cole, and the Astros were tagged for three insurance runs that took away any hopes of a late rally.
The only exception to the criticism is if Cole requested the rule and didn’t feel comfortable coming in to a game where his team was behind. Judging by his postgame demeanor, however, he seemed upset that he hadn’t pitched and looked to have one foot out the door already as free agency kicks off.
