“Pin-Up” of the Week: Charlie Manuel Phillies All-Time Winningest Manager Pin

Last night the Phillies finally won a game.  Its about time.  Yesterday the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Citizens Bank Park released this photo of a new pin they have for sale.  As you can see, it celebrates Charlie Manuel being the Phillies All-Time Winningest Manager.

Why Do Managers Do This?

I am by no means and expert on all the rules of baseball.  But I do have one question that has been on my mind for awhile.  Maybe someone can clear up my confusion.  My question is this:  When a starting pitcher is doing very well, and winning the game, why does the manager take them out?  I know this doesn’t happen all the time, but it happens often enough.  If a pitcher is “in the zone” why decide to put somebody else in?  I have seen it backfire so many times this season.  I just finished watching the Phillies beat the Giants 7-6 in 11 innings.  I’m very glad they won, but Tim Lincecum had them down 4-1 and then the manager decided to take him out.  If Lincecum would have stayed in, I bet they would have won.  This was a mistake by Bruce Bochy that I’m glad he made and worked in the Phillies favor.  But what is the reasoning of decisions like this?