The part of a manager’s job that involves making in-game tactical decisions is actually not one of the biggest. it’s just the most visible. Irrespective of his skills as a tactician, Bob Melvin should be signed to a contract through his 95th birthday so that he can pass Connie Mack in games managed for the A’s.
But today, let’s zero in on Melvin the tactician and compare how fans feel to how things really are…
“He Leaves His Starting Pitchers In Too Long!”
This is a common refrain on AN, from fans frustrated when a starting pitcher struggles, is left in, and gives it up — all too predictably in the eyes of the observing fan.