Clint Hurdle defends decision to use Rick VandenHurk vs. Cubs
By Matt Shetler
Many of Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle’s decisions have blown up in his face as of late as the pressure not only to make the playoffs, but to avoid a 20th consecutive losing season, mounts.
August 29, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle (13) looks on at the batting cage before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
You almost have to feel for the guy because absolutely nothing he has tried lately works. It doesn’t matter if it’s a squeeze bunt, hit-and-run, double steal, or a pitching change – every move Hurdle makes blows up in his face.
That happened again on Sunday when an attempted double steal resulted in wasting a leadoff triple by Starling Marte in the seventh. In addition, there was a rather odd decision to bring on reliever Rick VandenHurk in the bottom of the sixth inning of a game the Bucs led 9-5.
VandenHurk has a track record of not being able to get major league hitters out and being that it was as close to a must win game the Pirates have faced all season, that decision was questionable to say the least.
In his only other appearance VandenHurk got the loss against the Cincinnati Reds in the 14-inning game a week ago. Turning to a guy with a 6.14 career ERA in five MLB seasons just doesn’t make much sense, especially at this time of year when you must win games.
Sunday, VandenHurk allowed two singles and a walk without retiring a batter, setting the Cubs up for a big inning in which they ultimately took the lead. Granted Jared Hughes can’t come in and allow a single and a grand slam, but turning to a guy that really shouldn’t be on the roster right now is a little bit mind-boggling.
However Hurdle defended his decision to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Rob Biertempfel (via Sulia):
"“We talked about Karstens, but his history in the first inning (of an outing) has been a little sketchy,” Hurdle said. “We talked about Leroux. I wanted to bring in sinkerball guys from that point on. I went with a guy who I thought could give us an inning. I chose VandenHurk. It didn’t work.”"
Hurdle also commented on the state of the bullpen and if they are tired or not:
"“I can’t answer that,” Hurdle said. “You’d have to talk to those guys, but I don’t know that any of them would tell you they’re tired. With the numbers and the way things are playing out, you might think that. But the appearances aren’t anywhere near red-line numbers. We’re just not getting the job done.”"
Using VandenHurk in that situation was an odd choice as, in two appearances in a Pirates uniform, he has allowed four runs on four hits, walked a batter and uncorked a pair of wild pitches while recording only two outs.
Sometimes nothing works for a manager, but when you are fighting for your playoff life, giving the ball to your best pitchers is the way to go. Hurdle appears to be a guy who is out-thinking even himself right now.
Maybe the simple moves from this point on would be the wiser moves as the Bucs try to rally during their final 17 games.