Every Statement About Topper Holds Some Truth
by John Kincade
In todays 280 character world, it seems like every statement made has to be taken independently and stands as an absolute. That’s most certainly not the case. Each statement made can be true, but there are layers of context that help create the entire story. That is where the reasonable find themselves today with Rob Thomson. So many great things to say, but so many questions left behind in the rubble of the 2022 World Series.
Statement One: Rob Thomson did an amazing job getting a (22-29) club to the World Series!
If anyone can’t make that statement or affirm that statement from someone else, they are being purposely dense. What Rob Thomson did taking over for Joe Girardi was nothing less than amazing. He unified. He motivated. He established roles and wasn’t afraid to shake things up when necessary. It was truly one of the greatest salvage jobs that I’ve ever witnessed from a team I root for. He earned that contract extension and I look forward to watching him manage in the future.
Statement Two: I have no clue why he managed his starting pitching in the post season the way he did…especially on Saturday Night in Game 6.
All during the post season, not just on Saturday night, the quick hook of Rob Thomson made little sense to me. His endless faith in Aaron Nola, even when on given nights he clearly didn’t have it he would afford him a longer leash. With his ace Zack Wheeler he was overly cautious and limited his opportunity to throw at the first sign of a velocity dip. Then Saturday night, when he was pitching with a lead AND more efficiently than his mound opposition he pulled him out yet again. Afterwards it was clear that this decision was not one that was discussed with Wheeler pregame and one that was met with much confusion. It is also now a situation to watch moving forward. The ace had a chance to lead his team to a Game 7 and it was taken from him.
Statement Three: No matter what decisions Thomson made, when Harper, Realmuto and Hoskins all go missing in action during Games 4, 5 and 6 you have no chance to win.
Thomson may have gagged on a huge opportunity with Wheeler, but when 3 of your biggest bats turn into phantoms for the final 3 games you gave no real chance to beat a team like the Astros. Schwarber had a few big swats, but the kids looked over matched all series and the bullpen finally sprung a leak. Some of that may be due to being called into action too early in a few of the games.
All three of the statements made above are true, independent of each other. Topper didn’t manage a great World Series, but he most certainly did an outstanding job getting them there. I’m still on board his bandwagon and I hope when faced with a situation like this again, he learns. Like his endless faith in Nick Castellanos to protect Harper in the lineup, that he will change it up next time around.
im incredibly excited and optimistic about what the 2023 season can be. Part of that is knowing that Rob Thomson did a really good job this year!
