When I first started learning computer programming, I read a chapter on software testing. It used a metaphor of figuring out how long you could leave a soda can in the freezer before it exploded. Of course, if you have to work by trial and error, it's well-nigh impossible to pinpoint the exact amount of time without having a few explode on you. But that should only happen two or three times, after which you'll have a nearly perfect estimate.
If Ned Yost tried that experiment, his freezer would be ruined in a matter of days, and he wouldn't understand where all of his soda went. Probably because, back in the old days, soda didn't explode when you left it in the freezer for too long.
Between leaving Tomo Ohka in for an inning after he was done, and letting Brian Shouse (remember, left-handed specialist) fight through the heart of the order--remember, Francisco Cordero hadn't pitched for a week--last night was just another reminder that Yost can't manage a pitching staff. When you combine the effect of his slow hook and his reliance on Geoff Jenkins, Yost has had a more negative effect on this team than anything I've ever seen before.
I feel like I've been a broken record about some of this stuff, so I'll let you guys run with this if you'd like. In the meantime, a few notes:
- In the new CBA, teams may not get draft pick compensation for departing free agents. That makes Melvin look smarter for dealing Carlos Lee--and apparently the Rangers are scrambling to find a taker for Caballo after falling far behind Oakland.
- The Brewers are STILL only five games out of the NL Wildcard. The Marlins are within 1.5, while the Reds and Phillies are a half game back of the Padres. The NL may suck, but this could be a very exciting final month.
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Roy Oswalt got a $73 million, 5 year extension after last night's game. On his birthday. I've sent an announcement to Tim Purpura notifying him of my upcoming birthday.
- Mark Mulder appears to be done for the season. This would seem to suggest that David Wells, who the Red Sox are actively shopping, could be headed to St. Louis to take his place.