On the contrary it's a great idea. Knowing that the 7-8 hitters can't hit a homerun or triple means that you need the runners in scoring position for them to drive them in. Hence, a long single will score both instead of maybe scoring one. Especially if your #6 hitter is horribly weak against LHP....
If there's no demand for Maddux, I'd just as soon he'd finish out the year rather than throw him away for mid-level prospects. I know it's sentimental, but in a lost season I can't help it.
This is great news, but I would find it hard to beleive if Germany didn't want him back after that run. Also, did anyone else think that Italy's players might be experiencing a "Field of Dreams"-style game play? Knowing that some might be banned/relegated next year with the scandal and such....? Just a thought...
What a game. Great job by Italy, they simply out-played Germany (There's something I didn't expect to say). A great game, and a real nail-biter. Both keepers were amazing, but it was Germany's defense that finally cracked.