The MTL blog has learned that Chris will not travel with his team this weekend, in the biggest match of the year, due to "personal reasons."
Chris would not go into anything further, other than that he will not be in the same state when his team finishes Week 22 vs. Ricky.
This could have huge implications as the two managers are engaged in a chess match. Ricky, using late West Coast time, tried sneaking one past Chris on Thursday night with a stiff, but Chris had none of it, responding almost immediately - and in time.
More after the jump.
When contacted, Chris made it clear to me that he'd be personally monitoring the situation despite being more than 200 miles away from his team.
"I have actually postponed my travels by one night - was supposed to leave today," Chris said, "and instead will go tomorrow in order to reassure my guys that we are prepared and capable to deal with any last minute moves our opponent may make."
In a somewhat surprising move, Chris cut Ricky Romero, who had been so strong all year for him.
Chris currently leads Ricky 10-6 as the two fight for the final playoff spot. The matchup likely will come down to pitching.
"I think we match up really well one-for-one with our opponent, and I am confident that my guys have what it takes to grind this one out," Chris said. "My pitching the past few weeks on the last few days of the match up has been superb and even though my match-ups aren't as favorable as in weeks past, I have some of my more experienced and consistent guys on the hill."
I asked Chris why he keeps referring to Ricky simply as 'the opponent.'
"It is a way to dehumanize the opposition," he said. "I don't want any of my guys feeling compassionate or sorry for the opponent. I got it out of Michael Vick's personality tips 101 book."
Ricky was not available for comment at the time.
Chris, clearly bothered by Andy's RICKTORY 22! campaign, has fired back, calling for Andy to abandon it due to lack of support.
"I will do no such thing," Andy said in response today. "I still think Ricky has a shot to win and don't want Chris to. Simple as that."
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