Ron Washington, What Are You Thinking?

Let's see. You're the manager of the Texas Rangers. It's a tie game in the 9th. The Red Sox have used their closer. Extra innings means you get into the Sox secondary bullpen guys. You have Michael Kirkland & closer Joe Nathan warming up. Who do you use to pitch the 9th? Ron Washington goes with Kirkland & his 6.05 ERA over Nathan. A double, an intentional walk & a homer to Big Papi follows & you lose 6-3. What are you thinking, Ron? But thank you. We'll take the 6-3 win. We'll take the series 2 out of 3. Besides Washington's choice of pitcher in the 9th, the return of Jacoby Ellsbury was awesome as he went 4-4 in his first 4 at bats, using all fields to spray the ball around. Nice series win against a potential playoff foe. The Sox didn't face Darvish, but I have my doubts about his numbers. Seeing him in spring training, Darvish reminds me of Jon Lester - can be good or can be wild. This was a nice comeback series for the Sox who got demolished in Texas earlier this year.