Flipped over to MLB Network just now. The Twins have won, and so the Tigers have to win to avoid dropping into a tie for first place with Minnesota.
The ChiSox have a 1-0 lead in the 2nd, and Leyland pulls his starter, bringing in lefty specialist Fu-Te Ni to face Scott Podsednik with the bases loaded and one out.
Podsednik hits into a fielder's choice, with a run scoring.
Leyland then goes out to the pen to get Armando Galarraga.
Think about that for a second...Leyland went and got a lefty specialist, to face one batter, Podsednik, in the second inning.
Is that understanding how critical the situation was, and using a high-leverage reliever smartly, if unconventionally? Or is that managing scared, burning your lefty specialist to face a guy who doesn't hit lefties or righties well way too early in the game?