Human logic trumps machine logic

If Tracy's use of the bullpen in today's win means that he intends to use human logic rather than machine logic when making late-inning decisions, I'm happy.

Lloyd McClendon's use of the closer went something like this:

If [inning=9] and [Pirates_lead=yes]
then [Pitcher=closer]
else not[Pitcher=closer]

A corollary to this algorithm last year was

If [closer=Mesa]
then [Pirates=stink]

I didn't watch today's game--just followed it on my cell phone while doing something else--but it looks like Tracy used Gonzo in the most important situation in the game rather than algorithmically saving him for the ninth. This is good.