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‘What was he thinking?’: 5 worst manager decisions in postseason history

By Dave Stevenson

Aug 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) in the dugout before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) in the dugout before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images /

3. Endy Chavez pinch hits but doesn’t stay in for Nelson Cruz

A whole slideshow could be dedicated to terrible decisions made by former Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington. In the 2012 Wild Card game,when  he gave up the designated hitter spot in the lineup. But his worst decision came in Game 6 of the 2013 World Series.

Entering the ninth inning, the Rangers held a 7-5 lead over the St. Louis Cardinals. Finding themselves three outs away from elimination, Washington sent in Endy Chavez to pinch hit for pitcher Mike Adams, a fine and acceptable decision. However, Washington did not use Chavez, a very good defensive outfielder, to replace anyone in the outfield.

Chavez probably should have taken Nelson Cruz out because Cruz wound up committing a costly two-run error. This allowed the Cardinals to tie the game, which they would eventually win in the 11th inning. St. Louis won Game 7, and Texas saw their best chance to win a World Series disappear.

It’s weird Chavez would be a pinch hitter but not a defensive replacement. Chavez wasn’t an impressive hitter. Most of his value came in the field (just ask the Cardinals). Cruz is a great hitter and was arguably the Rangers’ most clutch hitter in the postseason. But there’s no reason for him to be on the field with a two-run lead in the ninth inning.

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