[j_k_l]

It was Little that cost them the series! Now that he is gone, I am sure that will fix the problem.

I know as an Indians fan that getting rid of Hargrove sure fixed the Tribe. After all he cost them the World Series in '95 & '97.

Look how many the Tribe has won since the tossed him.

I would hate to think that it had anything to do with talent (tongue firmly implanted in cheek).

[Steve_Seattle]

Right after the Yankees-Sox series, I thought some sportswriter on Fox put it into perspective. He said that some in the media and some fans would need to cast it in terms of the Sox (and the manager in particular) "blowing" the series, rather than the Yankees simply winning it. But somebody has to lose, no matter how well the teams play, and it's not fair to blame the loser for "blowing" it.

[rs79bm]

I would hate to think that it had anything to do with talent (tongue firmly implanted in cheek).

Pedro has been used very tenderly the past 2-3 seasons. This is no secret. If you don't believe me, look at how many complete games Pedro has had the last few seasons. Obviously, a fresher arm in the 8th would have given the Sox a better chance. Statistically speaking, Pedro is not as good in the eighth or ninth depending on his workload and pitchcount. He pitched his heart out for 7 innings, and that should have done it for him. He didn't have much left. A pitching change in that situation would have been called for. Timlin and Williamson were pitching lights out.

[katana]

I've always liked Grady Little. He was a long time bench coach with the Indians and seemed to always do a great job when he had to fill in. That being said, even if you discount his leaving Martinez in after the 7th inning of the 7th game, his overall management during the ALCS was pretty awful. Specifically the hit and run and steal decisions early in the Yankees series were terrible. The Sox should have won that series before it ever got to a 7th game.