Don't get me wrong, maybe there was some master plan behind it all that I don't the brains to figure out.  But, for the sake of argument, does anyone know why Manuel pinch-hit Alex S. Gonzalez for Fasano in the 8th?  It was clear to everybody that Fasano was going to be pinch-hit for, and it seemed like Lieby was the obvious choice, since he would have had to come into the game anyway.  But instead, we got Gonzalez and his 0-fer season, which of course continues on until tomorrow.

My question is, why?  The Nats announcers surmised that perhaps Manuel assumed that Lieby would get walked no matter what, and then he'd have to pinch-hit Gonzalez for the pitcher, anyway.  But, if that was really the case, why not let Lieby get on, and then pinch-hit Gonzalez with the bases loaded, instead of men on just 2nd and 3rd?  The only legitimate answer I can think of is that Manuel wanted Gonzalez in the game; maybe he thought he was due.  But I can't imagine putting a guy with no hits in over the suddenly competent Lieby, especially if Lieby is going into the game no matter what.  If someone has a legitimate answer, let me know, but it just seems like another error from Chuckie Manuel.  I don't hate the guy by any means, but I don't know if he's the kind of guy that should be leading a team like this.  In such a tense moment when a hit could win you the game, I don't like our manager making such an iffy-looking decision.