Questions about today's game (5/16)

[Backtobanks]

The easiest way to start a rally is to start walking people. They scored 5 runs on nothing more then singles and walks.

 

Folks, when you rely on a guy with a career WHIP over 1.5 to be your closer, you are asking for trouble. Sure, Dempster got off to a decent start this year, but you knew his long term trend would eventually surface, and it did. He has always had a habit of working behind in the count and walking guys, and on top of that, he gives up more than 1 hit per innings pitched. These aren't exactly the traits you look for in a closer.

 

Dempster is like many other closers that are 1 year wonders. The advance scouts get a read on these guys, and figure out a way to make life miserable for them. With Dempster its easy - all you do is make him throw strikes, and chances are, he will get himself in trouble by walking guys and then give up a hit or two because he turns to toast.

 

Yesterday was obvious, first Dempster was looking down at the mound, like that was the reason he couldn't throw strikes, then he complained to the ump on a pitch 6 inches inside. If that ain't a sign a guy is blowing up, I don't know what is.

 

I'm always amazed that managers worry so much about a closer's ego. If I was a manager I would have another reliever warming up when I brought my closer into the game. After watching closers for decades, I noticed that you can tell if they're on or off their game by watching them pitch to the first batter. I am surprised that these high-priced pitching coaches haven't figured that out.