Post by Fish Troll on Feb 20, 2007 20:31:58 GMT -5
Consider the following quote by Rays manager Joe Maddon: "A lot of [the losses] occurred because of what we couldn't do late in the game, particularly on the pitching mound. So, we do need to answer some questions there. [We] definitely want to get better in that regard."
I don't disagree with Maddon that we need help in the bullpen, however, an additional problem was the inability to bring home runners on second and third base with no outs or only one out. It was extremely frustrating to see all those runners stranded, especially when only one or two runs were needed to tie or win. We certainly need pitching, but the coaching staff must train the batters to have plate discipline. Yes, pitching is everything, but we must also keep the pitchers in the game by scoring runs.
-- John T., St. Petersburg
Maddon would definitely agree with your thoughts. The ability to add on runs is a necessity in the American League, where offense is so plentiful. In many games during the 2006 season, the Rays had the lead but did not continue to add runs. The combination of the inability to add on runs plus an inconsistent bullpen is not a good situation. And, as you say, much of the problem for adding on runs was a lack of discipline. Rays fans can only hope the lack of discipline by the club's hitters was due in large part to the team's overall youth.
It looks like a make-it-or-break-it year for Jonny Gomes, who has to prove he's the AL's answer to Adam Dunn, not the next Russell Branyan. Personally, I'm leaning toward the latter, and with the current offense relying on him, it would be very dangerous to deal Rocco Baldelli. The thing is, the Rays would do well to deal him now, before young pitchers such as Chuck James and Ricky Nolasco are etched in rotation stone in Atlanta and Florida, respectively. While we know it'll be difficult to win without Baldelli, losing is a certainty with Jae Seo in the rotation. Thoughts?
-- Andrew L., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Let's wait and see how Gomes looks after recuperating from shoulder surgery. James and Nolasco are quality pitchers and Baldelli is a quality outfielder, but you never know what went down among all parties in trade talks regarding those players. Obviously, somebody didn't think they were getting the kind of deal they wanted.
I don't disagree with Maddon that we need help in the bullpen, however, an additional problem was the inability to bring home runners on second and third base with no outs or only one out. It was extremely frustrating to see all those runners stranded, especially when only one or two runs were needed to tie or win. We certainly need pitching, but the coaching staff must train the batters to have plate discipline. Yes, pitching is everything, but we must also keep the pitchers in the game by scoring runs.
-- John T., St. Petersburg
Maddon would definitely agree with your thoughts. The ability to add on runs is a necessity in the American League, where offense is so plentiful. In many games during the 2006 season, the Rays had the lead but did not continue to add runs. The combination of the inability to add on runs plus an inconsistent bullpen is not a good situation. And, as you say, much of the problem for adding on runs was a lack of discipline. Rays fans can only hope the lack of discipline by the club's hitters was due in large part to the team's overall youth.
It looks like a make-it-or-break-it year for Jonny Gomes, who has to prove he's the AL's answer to Adam Dunn, not the next Russell Branyan. Personally, I'm leaning toward the latter, and with the current offense relying on him, it would be very dangerous to deal Rocco Baldelli. The thing is, the Rays would do well to deal him now, before young pitchers such as Chuck James and Ricky Nolasco are etched in rotation stone in Atlanta and Florida, respectively. While we know it'll be difficult to win without Baldelli, losing is a certainty with Jae Seo in the rotation. Thoughts?
-- Andrew L., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Let's wait and see how Gomes looks after recuperating from shoulder surgery. James and Nolasco are quality pitchers and Baldelli is a quality outfielder, but you never know what went down among all parties in trade talks regarding those players. Obviously, somebody didn't think they were getting the kind of deal they wanted.
tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070107&content_id=1774337&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb
