The Second Guess: Did Charlie Manuel pull Pedro too early?

When appropriate, Big League Stew reviews a key decision during the playoffs to see if the right one was made.The Turning Point: Exactly six years after Grady Little refused to give Pedro Martinez(notes) the hook in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, Charlie Manuel did the opposite and showed the same pitcher the comforts of the dugout in the Phillies' 2-1 loss in Friday's Game 2 of the 2009 NLCS. With Martinez's batting spot coming up in the top of the eighth inning and the Phillies clinging to a 1-0 lead, Manuel sent in Greg Dobbs(notes) to pinch hit for Pedro. The decision ended what had been a stunning and spectacular start for the 37-year-old pitcher. Over seven innings, Martinez allowed only two hits while surrendering nary a walk nor a run. The Question: Considering that Philadelphia's bullpen gave up two runs in the bottom of the inning, should Manuel have let Martinez hit for himself so he could pitch the eighth? Let Pedro pitch: Before his start, the Phillies' ...