We missed the recap of game 4 so I’m going to do games 4 and 5 together. I will reveal, though, that these will be the last 2 games we recap as the series is over. The Cardinals won it in 5. Sean is absolutely devastated. There was a parade held in my honor under the St. Louis arch. It is now clear that my managerial skills are unmatched by the likes of Sean Morash.
To be totally honest, I don’t entirely remember game 4. It was a couple days ago. I do remember that I went with Jason Marquis even though I was seriously considering starting my ace Mark Mulder on short rest after my game 3 loss. Sean went with Juan Dominguez who was wholly ineffective and got battered around. Marquis was decent but only lasted 5 and the bullpen got knocked around a little and I actually gave up 5 runs. It wasn’t really a problem though as I put up 7 and cruised to the 7-5 win.
Game 5 was a rematch of game 1 starters Kenny Rodgers and Mark Mulder. Rodgers didn’t last that long after allowing an early homer to Scott Rolen in an elimination game for Texas. Sean went to starter Ryan Dreese next who was terible, allowing 3 runs while only recording 1 out. Mulder was excellent, only giving up 1 over 7, but after he allowed a hit to start the 8th I pulled him for Chris Carpenter. I realize this was a bit of an unorthodox move as Carpenter was supposed to start the next game but I knew we had a travel day and with my bullpen in such a mess without Jason Isrinhausen and with Ray King as bad as he’s been, I decided to try to win now and go with my best. Carpenter got out of the 8th and was supposed to finish the game but he allowed 3 straight hits to start the 9th. I brought in Julian Tavarez, my closer-by-default, and he promptly got 3 straight groundouts allowing one of Carpenter’s runs to score but, finished the game.
After the final out was recorded, a dog pile ensued. My players were elated as the virtual Rangers sat weeping in their virtual dugout. Sean, realizing he had been outmanaged and outplayed went back to his tired line about he had made better contact all series. That may be, but I scored more runs and won way more games and am the 2005 2011 World Series Champion.
-Max Frankel
ps. I promise we’ll get back to real baseball now. How great was game 6? How great was game 7? Awesome series. Congrats Cards.
