Three Reasons Leyland's Pitching Staff Mishandling Was Biggest Factor In Loss
By: Pat Caputo
1. Lefty Drew Smyly had thrown just 69 pitches. Although he allowed two home runs in a small ball park, he'd otherwise pitched well. He entered the game with a 1.53 ERA. He'd earned a shot to start the sixth inning.
2. If Leyland wanted to bring in a right-hander from the bullpen, why not bring veteran Octavio Dotel? He was rested. It wasn't like he has been overused.
3. Putting rookie Luke Putkonen into that game with a 5-4 lead in the sixth inning was the ultimate stretch. The kid wasn't remotely ready for that situation.
