Kevin Cash Just Showed Rays Fans How Much He's Changed in October

There are certain moments that Tampa Bay Rays fans will probably never completely forget.

Kevin Cash pulling Blake Snell in Game 6 of the 2020 World Series is certainly one of them.

Six years later, Cash found himself in another massive postseason game with his starting pitcher dominating and a very small margin for error.

This time, he let him go.

Drew Rasmussen was outstanding in Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, allowing only one hit and two walks while striking out 10 over eight scoreless innings.

He also threw 101 pitches.

For a manager who has been criticized throughout his career for relying too heavily on analytics, I thought the way Cash handled Rasmussen was one of the most important parts of the 1-0 victory.

The situations obviously weren't identical.

Snell was pitching in Game 6 of the World Series and was pulled after allowing a single in the sixth inning with Tampa Bay leading 1-0. Rasmussen was pitching Game 1 of the ALDS and hadn't allowed his first hit until the seventh.

Still, I don't think you can watch what happened Saturday without at least thinking about it.

Cash could have easily turned to his bullpen earlier.

Instead, he trusted Rasmussen.

In fact, if you look back to the start, when the Rays clinched the American League East against these same New York Yankees a few weeks ago, the leash was lifted off the Rays ace then as well.

Even as the pitch count climbed and Rasmussen worked through the Yankees lineup again, Cash continued to give him an opportunity to finish what he started.

Rasmussen noticed it too. After the game, he credited Liam Hicks for calling a great game while also saying he felt like Cash had his back throughout the night.

Rasmussen got through eight innings before Cash finally turned to Bryan Baker with a one-run lead in the ninth.

Baker then showed exactly why Cash could trust him too.

Facing Ben Rice, one of the most dangerous hitters in the Yankees lineup, Baker continued going to his changeup before using a front-door changeup to strike him out.

It was a pitch he hasn't used very often in that situation, but it worked when the Rays needed it most.

That might be the biggest difference between this Rays postseason team and the one we remember from 2020.

Cash still has the analytics. He still has a deep pitching staff and plenty of options. Some that he had to leave off the ALDS Roster. 

But in Game 1, he also knew when to trust the guy standing on the mound.

If Freddy Peralta runs into trouble Monday, Cash has Ian Seymour and Griffin Jax available behind him.

If Peralta dominates, maybe Cash lets him go too.

Game 1 showed he's willing to make that decision based on what he's watching.