Just for discussion purposes. Barry Bonds was intentionally walked with his team behind by 2 runs with the bases loaded and two outs.
i would not have done that, but understand the logic. tying run is on 2B,You are facing the very best hitter and power hitter in baseball. A much less hitter is on deck. A hit by Bonds either ties or ends the game and a hit, walk, error, etc., ends the game with Brent Mayne hitting.
No matter what the numbers say, the manager's gut told him he thought the best chance to win the game is by facing Mayne with two outs and the tying run at 3B and winning run at 2B rather than pitch to Bonds with the tying run at 2B and the winning run at 1B. Both will end the game if they make an out. Though I wouldn't have done that, it actually makes some sense In that situation. Still, It sure took some courage to do it. Obviously, this would not have happened if the hitter would have been anyone other than Bonds. The gamble did pay off for Showalter!
Joe Madden did pretty much the same thing with Josh Hamilton. We are talking about two very good MLB managers that have been around the block a few times.
Why do you not allow for the Manager's gut to be wrong?
Because of this.