I grew up in an era where starting pitchers routinely went 6-7-8 innings and over 100 pitches. I’m talking about guys like Pedro, Clemens, Hudson, Colon, Felix Hernandez, Kershaw, etc. Managers would leave guys in the game as long as they’re not getting blown up (think 0-4.5ish runs over 7 innings). However, in the last 5 years, managers have had a shorter leash on starters. 2/2

For example: -KCash pulling Blake Snell after a single in the 6th after pitching a shutout the previous 5.1, because he didn’t want to face the 3rd time through the order penalty. (2020 WS G6) -Roberts pulling Yamamoto after 5 shutout and 63 pitches because he’s didn’t want to push Yama, who hasn’t pitched past 5 since returning from IL. (2024 NLDS G5) -Roberts pulling Buehler after 4 shutout and 90 pitches because as the pitch count implies, those were 4 stressful innings. (2024 NLCS G3) 3/2

Now back to Premier 12 finals. JP’s starter Shosei Togo entered the 5th having given up 3 hits and a walk, not exactly ON even though he stranded the runners each time. First batter Lyle Lin hits a solo shot, 1-0. Next batter K. Next batter singles. At this point, if it were Dave Roberts or KCash, they would’ve PROBABLY pulled Togo to go to the bullpen. Next batter walks. Now man on 1st and 2nd after already given up a HR. Only 1 out still. 4/2

At this point Roberts or Cash FOR SURE would’ve pulled Togo. But JP decided to leave him in. His pitch count at 83, still got some ammo if you’re a traditionalist who grew up watch the aforementioned Pedro and co. Next batter is the No.3 hitter Chieh-Hsien Chen who’s hitting over .600 this tournament. Togo threw one down and in, aka lefty hitters’ sweet spot. 3 run home run. 1 run deficit became 4 run deficit. 5/2

Togo clearly didn’t have his best stuff this game, and his manager left him in for who knows why, but a current MLB manager would’ve taken him out a couple batters ago. Togo managed to finish the 5th and JP finally went to the bullpen and the next guy Sumida pitched 2 shutout and struck out 5. Now I don’t know what the bullpen situation is for Japan, but this is the last game of the tournament, all hands should be on deck. 6/2

For example, their ace Takahashi, or the guy who blanked Taiwan earlier in the tournament Saiki, were on 3 and 2 days rest respectively. Could they have not given JP an IP in this critical game? I know Buehler closed the WS for the dodgers after 1 day rest and he was in worse shape than Takahashi or Saiki health wise having just recently returned from TJ. I’m not saying JP would’ve kept the game 1-0 after 5 if the manager had managed the pitching MLB style. 7/2

After all, Kcash got burned for taking Snell out too early. But Snell was dealing that game and Togo was shaky. Anyways, it’s just interesting to see the different strategies in pitcher usage between MLB managers and JP’s this game. Do you agree with JP rolling the dice with Togo? I don’t like seeing SPs getting the hook after 4-5 innings but I think in this game going to the bullpen in the 5th was probably the better move. 8/2