This is a stupid narrative. The Giants are a statistical anomaly and they certainly don't have any more 'grit' than any other team. Just because they've pulled off upsets before doesn't mean they have the innate ability to. I don't think so. I think underdogs often have a psychological advantage and that's exactly what the Giants are. Plus they have a lot of guys on the team that have done this over and over.
Meh. This one is on the players, not on Maddon. The Arrieta home run was lucky. And they let off the gas and couldn't score a run afterwards. Rondon can't walk a guy there. Chapman can't allow a triple to a crappy left handed hitter.
I don't disagree with this move. Strop is done after this inning anyways. There are 2 lefties coming up. Make Span hit a pitcher coming from the other side.