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John Schneider Owns Game 7 Coaching Call on Kiner-Falefa’s Lead

He says coaches ordered a conservative 7.8-foot lead to deter Will Smith’s back-pick.

Overview

  • In the ninth inning of Game 7, Daulton Varsho’s grounder led Miguel Rojas to throw home to Will Smith, who beat Isiah Kiner-Falefa by inches with the bases loaded.
  • Schneider says the staff set Kiner-Falefa’s primary lead at 7.8 feet, citing Statcast data and Smith’s tendency to back-pick with a left-handed hitter at the plate.
  • He acknowledges they should have pushed Kiner-Falefa “another step or two” and emphasizes the responsibility lies with the coaches, noting third-base coach Carlos Febles’ guidance.
  • The manager says he has replayed the sequence thousands of times since the World Series loss.
  • Toronto’s offseason outlook remains upbeat with the reported signing of Dylan Cease and pursuits that include re-signing Bo Bichette and interest in Kyle Tucker.