Strat-O, 101

I’ve been playing the board-game version of Strat-O-Matic Baseball since eighth grade, when LBJ occupied the Oval Office. So, I learned a long time ago you don’t let someone like Smoky Burgess run the bases if the game’s on the line. Instead, you go with a pinch runner. I guess White Sox manager Will Venable didn’t play Strat-O growing up and never saw it happen during his nine-year major league career. With the White Sox down 3-1 in the top of the ninth yesterday against the Guardians, bases loaded and two out, Venable opted not to pinch run for Mike Tauchman, just off the IL with a strained right hamstring. Tauchman represented the tying run at second base. Miguel Vargas took the first pitch he saw from Guardians’ closer Emmanuel Chase and grounded it past shortstop Brayan Rocchio into left field. Jacob Amaya scored easily, Tauchman, not so much. No, he pulled up lame midway between third and the plate, an easy out for catcher Austin once he caught a so-so throw from left fielder Steven Kwan. Final score: Cleveland 3 Chicago 2. And Chris Getz fired Mickey Mouse why, again?