There was an article in today's Times critical of that as well. Not sure that was Roberts idea or Friedman's. Or both. I guess the "idea" is you force the opposing manager to name his lineup and then after the first inning you bring in Urias to face a left heavy lineup. First inning worked out fine with May retiring Tatis and Machado(both right handed) but it came back to bite them when Kolarek came in. I understand the thinking and on paper it makes sense. But if it doesn't work you have to be ready for criticism.

Last year the Padres experimented by having no "starters". Every pitcher was essentially coming our of the bull pen for one or two innings. In the playoffs the roster is expanded greatly so you a lot more pitchers to play "smarts" with. "Times-they are a changing".