Though the Rockies season has been incredible, their celebration magnificent, and the momentum in their favor, they never actually won Monday night’s playoff game. Matt Holliday never touched home plate on his dive. In fact, Barrett successfully blocked the plate and tagged him out, producing what should have been an amazing double play. Not to say that the Padres would have gone on to win the game, but just saying there was a bad call. As I stated at FanHouse, baseball needs instant replay for those types of situations. When a playoff berth is at stake, the most precise call possible needs to be made — and usually that’s with the aid of video replay.
So sure, the Rockies had all the momentum and were torching Hoffman, but the game wasn’t over. At the same point, it should be noted that with instant replay, Garrett Atkins would have been awarded a home run in the 7th. A few thoughts on that: how poorly did Hurdle manage the situation by pinch-running for Atkins in the 7th when the game went 13 (even though Carroll delivered the game-winner)? If there’s instant replay, then Atkins does his home run trot an never gets pulled.
Also, Jake Peavy blew it once again in a Padre playoff game. He’s now 0-3 in three post-season starts which he’s lasted 18 innings, given up 29 hits, and 19 earned runs. He has not been clutch by any stretch of the imagination. And finally, props to Trevor Hoffman for speaking to reporters, accepting the blame, and acting classy in what was probably the lowest moment of his career. He should be commended for that.
(photo courtesy Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
