Something isn't right with Cecil

In yesterday's game against the Marlins, Astros manager, Cecil Cooper made a rather mind-bending decision in the 6th inning when he intentionally walked journeyman Nick Johnson to pitch to Hanley Ramirez who is leading the National League in hitting.

It didn't work. Anybody surprised?

Ramirez hit a run-scoring single which broke open a close game eventually ending in a 8-6 win for the Marlins.

I did see the highlights and the several hundred Marlins fans there appeared ecstatic.

Fast forward to this morning where the following conversation took place between Astros owner, Drayton McLane and Cecil Cooper:

McLane: First off. Is everything ok at home?

Cooper: Yep, just fine. Is this about that Nick Johnson/Hanley Ramirez thing last night?

McLane: Well, yes. Lately, you have kind of had us all a little worried.

Cooper: Look. Johnson is left-handed. Ramirez is right-handed. I was setting up a righty/righty match-up with Brian Moehler on the mound. It just didn't work out.

McLane: But Ramirez is leading the league in hitting and hits everybody. We do want you to use some independent judgement with these things.

Cooper: (rolls eyes) It was righty/righty. That is how you are supposed to do it.

McLane: What are Moehler's numbers against Ramirez anyway?

Cooper: Hell if I know! We had a righty/righty match-up!

(Pause)

McLane: Did I ever tell you how important this team is to me?

Cooper: It was righty/righty!

(Silence)

McLane: Are you sure everything is ok at home? We've got programs you know.