Playoff Concerns

You know the one thing that bothered me the most in yesterday's loss to the Yankees wasn't how Westbrook pitched, or Trot Nixon's error, but Martinez's decision to throw to third base in the third inning when there was that grounder in front of home plate.

You cant' say, well Todd that only 1 run scored. I realize that part. However, what is the reason behind the decision to throw to third? Getting the out at first base gets you a 2nd out with just a man on third. Therefore, that would allow Garko to play off the bag and scoop up Damon's grounder and keep the score 3-0 going into the fourth. Obviously, Martinez can't know what Damon or the following Yankee hitters would do, but getting the 2nd out and still keeping the score 3-0 seemed like a no brainer to me.

Now don't get me wrong, Trot Nixon's outfield blunder pissed me off quite a bit, but the Indians never should have been in that problem in the first place. I simply don't feel comfortable with Fultz in there against the Yankees lineup. His control is not his strong suit, and the Yankee hitters either waited for a walk or a pitch near the middle of the plate to punish. At this point if the game is within reach I think you cant go with anyone other than Lewis, Perez, or Betancourt.