Couple thoughts here. Managing now is not like before analytics. Don’t think for a second that plan wasn’t developed by the FO. Schneider just executed the plan (which I disagree with).
I like Rocco. One reason why I don’t mind him is because most of the stuff he gets criticized for is dictated by the FO or his players. For example Sonny wants to pitch deeper in games and makes that clear which kicks off another round of criticism of Rocco. Here is the most important point: Sonny usually needs close to 90 pitches to get through the fifth. That’s the issue not Rocco. Pinch hitting: the FO has developed this strategy so whether any of us including Rocco like it, it’s gonna happen. Rocco seems like a smart guy who is learning and his players like playing for him. I’m good with that partially because I don’t believe in the fire in the belly BS.