Bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, 3 men on base and your team is 3 runs behind...

[LynneSin]

....if you were the manager, what major league ball player from history would you want to pinch hit next?

And an edit question: If you were the opposing team manager - who do you bring out of the bullpen?

[LSK]

1. with a 3 run lead, i might walk whatever great player you bring up

And face the next guy. And I'd want Dennis Eckersley(sp) pitching.

[matcom]

2. .

[LynneSin]

4. Yeah, and as your opposition - I'd want him too

1990 Cincinnati Reds, nuff said!

I'll take Rob Dibble in his prime anytime in that position. I've seen him come in for relief at the bottom of the 9th, with the bases loaded and NO outs. ANd I watched him pitch 9 absolutely stunning and untouchable fastballs (along with plenty of fouls).

The man amazingly ruled for the short period that he was on top. The Nasty Boys were probably the best relief staff any team could ask for (Dibble, Randy Myers and Norm Charlton). <sigh> it was fun while it lasted!

[WCGreen]

6. Eck..... Who the tribe traded for, gosh I don't remember...

[XemaSab]

3. It's Koshie!

[kick-ass-bob]

5. someone who can hit a double into the gap and not swing for the fences

So NOT Sammy Sosa or Jim Thome.

[Montauk6]

7. Pinch hit: Kirk Gibson; Pitch: Denny McLain

[sir_captain]

8. Hitter: Williams or Dimaggio Pitcher: Mariano Rivera

Ted Williams and Dimaggio are ideal choices here because they didn't strikeout much. Guys like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, etc, would be fine choices, but there's a much higher chance of a K.

Mariano Rivera is simply the greatest relief pitcher of all time.

[Viking12]

9. Kiiirrrrrby Puckett!!!

Dude was clutch.

Pitcher? Jeff Reardon.

I know Twins-centric, but in their prime these two were among the best clutch players ever.

[NeoTraitors]

10. I would choose Ruth as hitter, and actually as the pitcher

as well. Ruth was one of the greatest leftys of all-time. (and a pretty good hitter too)

I despise the Yankees, but ya gotta love the Babe!