] It is funny, isn't it, that the exact opposite measures (putting in glove guys for your big offensive threats) is standard practice, practically a no-brainer, when you HAVE a huge lead, no? I'm not sure what the huge difference is here. going to defensive replacements in the LAST inning has no downside, just as pinch-hitting in your last at-bat has none, but to do it earlier is something i have criticized in the past.... i can remember Piazza specifically being pulled from games where the Mets had a small lead and then him not being there when it suddenly got tied up again.