Friday, October 12, 2007

Billy Wagner explains pen's poor performance

The Mets downfall began before their second series loss to the Phillies. According to MLB.com writer Marty Noble, "the 'pen fell apart" after Jorge Sosa was converted from a starter to a reliever. That occurred on July 31. Noble wrote that "Relievers began to complain — privately — about how they were used."

It was obvious from the pen's performance that they were being misused. And neither Randolph nor Peterson seemed willing — or able — to address the pitchers' complaints.

It all boils down to poor communication, something that Peterson's been accused of in the past.

Billy Wagner summed it up with this quote published in New York Magazine: "Our pitching coach has no experience talking to a bullpen. He can help you mechanically, but he can't tell you emotions. He has no idea what it feels like. And neither does Willie. They're not a lot of help, put it that way."

With Randolph returning and Peterson likely to return, don't expect the situation to improve in 2008.

2 comments:

  1. When the Mets first signed Billy Wagner I was excited but it soon became apparent that he wasn't nearly as good as I thought he'd be. This year he was better until the last part of the season but then he returned to last year's form. He apparently doesn't pitch well in big games-- otherwise why would the Phillies let him go.
    I think these major league managers and pitching coaches know what they're doing and I find it hard to blame them for bullpen failures.After all, they don't throw the ball!

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  2. Ernie,

    The managers and pitching coaches may not throw the ball, but they decide which pitcher to put into a game given the situation and how long to leave a pitcher in. In those areas, I think Willie Randolph made too many mistakes.

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