Yes, the game has passed many here. I see complaints all the time about pitcher usage and blaming one person for it, but this is league wide. This is baseball today. We also have to keep in mind that pitchers are pitching harder than ever today, with more spin than ever today. That is way more wear and tear on their arms and shoulders and bodies than the pitchers of yesteryear experienced. Some amount of protection is necessary. And who knows what pitchers want today? Most have grown up in this new era of usage. Ober didn’t seem upset with being pulled when he did. Remember, he went into this game not feeling well. There was some question whether or not he’d even be able to pitch, so, all considered I think him going 8 was great.
That said, yeah, we older fans still want to see it. But, more important to me was the win. More important to me is Ober’s next win, and the win after that and after that through the rest of the season. Consideration for the long game needs to be considered. So, I’m okay with pulling him when they did. Im okay with our starters going 6-7 innings, as Ryan, López and Ober mostly do when they are pitching well enough. Just wish we had a more consistent BP.