I like Aaron. I've supported him over the years. He's blown games, and also come into sticky situations and gotten the job done. But somewhere between the spring, when Billy said Aaron had the stuff and mentality to close and, oh, say April, something went wrong. The change-up that used to beffuddle lefties disappeared. He started to right the ship shortly after The Jacket was fired, even throwing some effective sliders (a pitch Rick had him eschew). However, that did not last long and Aaron of late has fallen back to his pre-June funk. If Jerry so much as looks at Aaron in a tight game in the late innings, he could join Aaron as a target in the eyes of the fans.
One thing though. When Aaron came into the game last night, he was booed. Now, I know Aaron has done poorly, but sweet jeebus people, the dude is being called on to close out a game. How about a little fucking support? How about instead of booing him before he throws a damn pitch, you clap for him, get behind him. You know, build up his confidence? As savvy as NY fans are supposed to be, we get this wrong too often. I'm not saying you should not boo if he sucks, but at least give him a chance. Who knows, maybe a show of support from the fans may have helped. (well, that and some help from the defense.)
I'm off the soapbox now.
Basically the pen looks like this
LOOGY - Show, Pedro Dos
ROOGY - Smith
CRAPPY - Lugo
UBERCRAPPY - Muniz, Heilman
Unknown - Kunz
Smith is having a hard time against lefties. Pedro Dos (before last night) was having trouble keeping inherited runners from scoring. Show should not face a righty unless there is a 10 run lead.
Muniz sucks. Lugo is not much better. These guys are mop-up guys, nothing more. Lugo will be the long man per Jerry.
That leaves Kunz. Now, I'm not saying the guy is gonna come out and be dominant. He may blow up. But you know what? The dude has closed, in college (where he led his team to the College World Series), in AA and AAA this year. He knows what is needed. Is he untested at the ML level? Sure. But guess what? He's the best option at this point.
There is no time to mess around here. The deficit is 2 games. Billy is out for 2 weeks. We cannot continue blowing games late, or using 3 guys to pitch the ninth. Give Eddie the damn ball and see what he can do. He's got a good sinker, something that will work in his favor. He throws hard. He misses bats. He's not gonna come in and strike out the side, but who cares? The job is to get 3 outs without allowing the other team to erase the lead. That's it. The rest of the guys have not shown the ability to do so.
Let Eddie try.
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Onto last nights game. The hitting star was Fernando Tatis, who erased two Padre leads, first with a solo shot to the picnic area, and later with a 3-run shot that he waved fair in the leftfield loge. (The morons at Baseball Tonight killed him for his celebration. Note to morons, please review tape of Fisk, Carlton in 1975 WS. or any home run by Sammy Sosa. In other words, have a tall glass of STFU.) Supporting roles were played by Daniel (don’t call him Dan) Murphy, who had an RBI and went 1 for 2 with 2 walks, Delgado who had 2 walks and 2 runs scored, Beltran who went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored, including the 6th run, scoring on a double by Nick Evans and a mistake prone relay by the Padres.
On the mound, Pelfrey went 6 2/3, allowing 9 hits, 2 runs on 2 homers, a walk and 3 k’s. He did well, and got himself out of trouble. Pedro Dos pitched 1 1/3 scoreless, stranding an inherited runner in the 7th. We’ll skip over Heilman and talk about Smith who retired the only batter he faced, and Show, who did likewise, though the out was hard hit to center.
I’m liking what I see from Murphy. He has a real good eye, and his hit was a great piece of hitting, driving a low pitch to deep left center for a double driving in Argenis Reyes. He might not be a true left fielder, but his bat should keep him in the lineup. See, youth can work from time to time.
On the injury front, we all know Billy is on the DL now. Hopefully the rest will heal his forearm, and he will be able to close once he comes back without making everyone reach for the Tums.
Maine is progressing well. He is due to throw a simulated game Friday and is on track to return from the DL next week. (My fantasy team is thankful for this).
Luis Castillo is playing rehab games. :shudder:
Ryan Church took BP yesterday after not having done so for a couple of games. Not a lot of details on what is happening. Some days he feels 100%, others, only 90% or so per reports. I’m not counting on having him back anytime soon.
Tonight, Pedro vs. Cha Seung Baek, who faced the Mets in June in a game they lost 2-1. He went 6, allowing 7 hits and 1 run, 2 BB and 2 K. He got 11 ground ball outs. Hopefully, the Mets fare better against him this time. As for Pedro, hopefully he can give the team some length, like 7 full innings. And hopefully the bats score enough to make the question of who will close moot.
Just.Win.Series.
LGM!
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