Cash calls Snell move 'agonizing,' but stands by decision

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash made the controversial call to remove Blake Snell from Game 6 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, even though the ace left-hander was dealing.

While the skipper stands by his decision - which backfired immediately - Cash says he lost sleep after the defeat.

"It was agonizing," he told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, adding that he watched two movies after the game in lieu of sleep. "The decision was agonizing. The loss was agonizing. The different thoughts that run through your mind, the what-ifs, are really challenging."

"Was it a mistake? No, I don't think it was a mistake," he continued. "And I'm not trying to be hardheaded. I was committed and felt good about the decision. I just hate the outcome."

Snell was removed while pitching a shutout through 5 1/3 innings, and after allowing two hits on 73 pitches. Nick Anderson wound up allowing the inherited runner to score to tie the game, then he also gave up the go-ahead run, which proved to be the game-winner.

"Everybody has been super supportive, certainly through text messages," Cash said, noting that friend and Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona reached out. "But totally understand that maybe that's not the norm on the internet."