If I were Maddon, I’d put David Price on the mound tonight and if I lose the game, I lose with him on the mound. Although correct me if I’m wrong the game is going to be picked up at the pitcher’s spot in the batting order. Therefore, the first move is on Charlie Manuel – to put in a pinch hitter (unlikely that he’ll send out Cole Hamels in that spot). So, Maddon may want Price ready and maybe Wheeler (or someone else) ready as well depending on who Manuel puts up there. Then perhaps change over to Price.

Interesting indeed.

A note on Baseball history: The ghost of Gene Mauch presides over this series. Mauch managed the Phillies in the 60’s (most infamously for the 64 collapse), but he was also Maddon’s mentor (Maddon is from the Angels’ system and worked with Mauch there for years). The elusive goal of Mauch still slips from his fingers. I haven’t hung on every word from Buck and McCarver – but you would think McCarver might mention that sometime during the series since McCarver was on the 64 Cardinals, the team that caught and passed Mauch’s Phillies. Oh well.