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Steve Davis: No Problem With Sending Casilla

Tampa Bay Rays v Baltimore Orioles
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

We had a lot of texts and calls from people saying they didn't understand why Buck sent Casilla on the steal in the 9th.  I have no issue with it.

Casilla was 7 for 8 stealing bases, Rodney does not go to the plate fast, and Molina throws out less than 30% of his runners.  With those odds, you have to like his chances of success.  This, to me, is one of those classic cases where the Rays made a better play than the Orioles.

What's the alternative?  Bunt him over to 2nd.  Now, you have a runner on 2nd with one out.  Valencia, as good a game as he had going, is hitting about .150 vs. righties and just 2 for 10 lifetime vs. Rodney.  I don't like those chances of him getting a hit.  If Casilla steals the base, then I'd sac him to 3rd, and try to get a sac fly to tie it.

The Orioles had greater issues than Casilla getting thrown out.  Heck, they stranded 5 guys on third.

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