Rangers vs. Cardinals Game 7: Blame Ron Washington and Fire Him

The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series! It’s now official! For the second consecutive year, the Texas Rangers lost the most important series of their season.

The Cardinals miraculously got into the playoffs and did a few miracles in the sixth game of this series. However, Ron Washington, head coach of the Texas Rangers, helped them in a big way.

Did Ron Washington have any debt toward Tony La Russa? I have never seen a World Series as badly coached as this one. Ron Washington was awful in the past two games. If you have someone to blame, it’s him. It was probably the worst-coached game I have ever witnessed.

Ron Washington Failed the Test

A long time ago, Ron Washington failed a random drug test and was positive for cocaine. Actually, it wasn’t that far ago; it was in 2009. He apologized, admitted it was an error and kept his coaching position.  After all, it had nothing to do with his coaching abilities. At least, he wasn’t on painkillers like Terry Francona, right? 

In the past two days, Ron Washington failed a different kind of test. This time, it has everything to do with his coaching abilities. This time, he won’t apologize. I’m not even sure if he will admit his errors. However, I’m pretty sure that he will keep his coaching position.

He should not.

Game 6: The Unforgivable Mistakes

In the second inning, Colby Lewis was coming up at the plate. Even people in Alaska could see this Cardinals team crashing the plate. They were basically almost kissing Lewis’ cheek. You you can’t envision this on the first pitch, maybe. Fair enough. However, how about the second pitch? The call stays the same and Lewis bunts in a double play.

In the fifth inning, the bases were loaded with two outs, and Colby Lewis was due up. Derek Holland was warming up in the bullpen, and Torrealba was in the on-deck circle. Instead of sending a pinch hitter, Washington sent Lewis to the plate. He defended himself by saying that he wasn’t ready to take him out. What’s the result? Lewis gets retired and only threw for four outs after this.  

In the eighth inning, the Rangers were in trouble. With two outs, Washington decided to keep Neftali Feliz for only the ninth inning. Feliz had been almost perfect in postseason. Washington had to bring him for the last out of the eighth inning.

In the ninth inning, the Rangers were leading by two runs and were one strike away from being World Series champions. Neftali Feliz was pitching to David Freese, who hit a bomb to right field that Nelson Cruz can’t catch. However, why didn't Cruz play deeper? With a two-run lead, Washington had to make sure that no ball could get over the head of his outfielders. This was a huge mistake that let the tying run score.

In the tenth inning, Washington seemed to really want to be awarded the worst-coached game ever award.  Once again, the Rangers were one strike away from being World Series champions. However, Washington sent his outfielders very deep. Therefore, there’s no chance to catch the tying run at home if Berkman hits a single.

What was meant to happen, happens. Berkman hits a single in the right-center, and no throw is made at the plate. I guess that Washington learned from the ninth inning. However, Mr. Washington should have known that it wasn’t the same situation!

Finally, twice in the game, the Rangers needed a right-handed pitcher. However, there was none ready in the bullpen. Was Ron Washington already planning his after-party? Was he calling some friends over instead of calling his bullpen?

Game 7: Another Mistake

C.J. Wilson hasn’t been the same pitcher in the postseason. Anyone could tell you that Wilson struggled with his pitch location in the postseason. He gave a bunch of walks and never seemed in control. Ron Washington doesn’t seem to care, or maybe he didn’t even notice.

In the sixth inning, with the bases loaded, he brought in C.J. Wilson. The result is delightful. Wilson hits the first batter he faces. Have I talked about the pitch control problems?

In the seventh inning, Washington needed a pinch hitter with a runner in scoring position. He sent Torrealba, who is 1 for 29 as a pinch hitter.  Some players can’t come in as pinch hitters and be successful. I believe that, again, Ron Washington didn’t care or didn’t know this information.

World Series Overall Mistakes

Why did Michael Young play first base in St. Louis? Michael Young's primary position was third base, and he can’t play there anymore.  How do you think he will be able to play at another position?

As a result, Young had two errors in the sixth game and dropped an easy foul ball in the seventh game. I understand that Young is an offensive weapon, but you need just as much defense as offense in sports. Several coaches would have made this same decision, but this is still a questionable move.

Ron Washington Needs to be Fired

I don’t care about the two consecutive trips of the Texas Rangers to the World Series.  They lost in five games in 2010, and this 2011 series was lost because of Ron Washington.  Don’t get me wrong, Ron Washington is a great motivator. However, he is an awful strategic coach.

The Texas Rangers need a new coach if they want to reach the next step. They have a talented and deep lineup, both on the batting and pitching side. However, baseball is mainly a strategy game.  Ron Washington isn’t bringing a World Series championship to Texas anytime soon.