There are only a few things that MLB managers can do to alter the results of a game. One of those things, which is perhaps the most important, is putting together the starting lineup.
Padres manager Mike Shildt had to watch in angst as his team squandered a 3-1 loss on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card round. There was hardly any timely hitting, and the top three batters went hitless.
Rather than trying to start over and re-invent a lineup with their backs against the wall, Shildt and Co.