Because Bruney has an ERA of 0.00.

I think Giradi thought that Mussina had a better chance of getting Ramirez out than Bruney did. That's it.

After the game, that is what Girardi said.

I am completely satisfied that Girardi's decision-making critieria was simply picking the available pitcher who had the best chance of getting the out.

Girardi did not base this decision on ...

• A hunch.
• Mussina's seniority.
• A game that Bob Gibson pitched forty years ago.

Now, would you have brought in Joba in the sixth inning? It's worthy of debate, though Madden doesn't bring it up.

Would you have inentionally walked Ramirez in that spot? I sure wouldn't have. According to Madden, intentionally walking a guy in the sixth inning is an "obvious move." Your team is winning by a run and there are two outs in the inning, so it's an "obvious move" to give them a free baserunner.

Look, the strategy is hit on 15, okay? The strategy isn't more "right" when the next card is a 6.