I didn't get to see today's game as it wasn't part of the Extra Innings package today. I tried to follow as much as I could via MLB Gameday online but by the time the 9th inning rolled around, it started to fall behind and eventually it froze.
It's a shame they lost two games this weekend, one they SHOULD have won, and another they could have. I'd guess today's loss was tougher because they had a lead in the 9th inning, and it was a golden opportunity to close out the homestand on a high note, and they could have padded their lead in the division a little. Instead of a two-game lead, they head for Houston with a one-game lead on the Padres, who were shelled today by the Phillies.
Anyway, it really seems to me this team is in dire need of arms. The starting staff is starting to wear thin, and it's putting a huge burden on the bullpen. I'm still blown away by their need to have Roberto Hernandez on this team, and to even use him in close games, but I'll save my ranting on this issue for another time. (And why hasn't Jonathan Meloan been called up yet either? The kid's AA numbers are just sick: 5-2, 2.18 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 70/18 K/BB rate, in 45 1/3 innings pitched.)
Jonathan Broxton is no where near ready or capable of being a Major League closer right now. I love the guy, I love his stuff, I think he's a great pitcher and will someday make a great closer, but right now, he seems to panic or come apart at the seams, as a closer, when he gives up a hit or two or the defense lets him down to put more pressure on him. Maybe he's becoming too comfortable in his role as the primary set-up guy. Maybe he isn't mentally ready for it. I don't know. But he isn't ready for the gig, even on a temporary basis.
I'd like to sit here and point a finger at and pick apart Matt Kemp for his defensive lapse in the 9th that gave the Mets the extra out to score the tying run, but I didn't see the play, and still haven't seen it on SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight or ESPNEWS. I ripped apart Juan Pierre, and to an extent, Luis Gonzales, to shreds the other day for the mental gaffe in the outfield, but they're veterans. They know what they're supposed to do. Either way, Kemp has to make those routine catches. No excuses.
THE WEEK AHEAD: I am heading off to Houston Monday morning to catch the Dodgers against the Astros for two of the three games. (I will be at the games tomorrow and Wednesday.) Chad Billingsley gets the nod tomorrow, Mark Hendrickson goes Tuesday, and Derek Lowe on Wednesday. All three games are 5:05 PM starts in L.A. I will have limited or no access to the internet until I get back Thursday afternoon, so I'll blog about my stay in Houston then. Photos might even accompany my next entry! Anyway, until then, have a safe week and remember, THINK BLUE.
It's a shame they lost two games this weekend, one they SHOULD have won, and another they could have. I'd guess today's loss was tougher because they had a lead in the 9th inning, and it was a golden opportunity to close out the homestand on a high note, and they could have padded their lead in the division a little. Instead of a two-game lead, they head for Houston with a one-game lead on the Padres, who were shelled today by the Phillies.
Anyway, it really seems to me this team is in dire need of arms. The starting staff is starting to wear thin, and it's putting a huge burden on the bullpen. I'm still blown away by their need to have Roberto Hernandez on this team, and to even use him in close games, but I'll save my ranting on this issue for another time. (And why hasn't Jonathan Meloan been called up yet either? The kid's AA numbers are just sick: 5-2, 2.18 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 70/18 K/BB rate, in 45 1/3 innings pitched.)
Jonathan Broxton is no where near ready or capable of being a Major League closer right now. I love the guy, I love his stuff, I think he's a great pitcher and will someday make a great closer, but right now, he seems to panic or come apart at the seams, as a closer, when he gives up a hit or two or the defense lets him down to put more pressure on him. Maybe he's becoming too comfortable in his role as the primary set-up guy. Maybe he isn't mentally ready for it. I don't know. But he isn't ready for the gig, even on a temporary basis.
I'd like to sit here and point a finger at and pick apart Matt Kemp for his defensive lapse in the 9th that gave the Mets the extra out to score the tying run, but I didn't see the play, and still haven't seen it on SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight or ESPNEWS. I ripped apart Juan Pierre, and to an extent, Luis Gonzales, to shreds the other day for the mental gaffe in the outfield, but they're veterans. They know what they're supposed to do. Either way, Kemp has to make those routine catches. No excuses.
THE WEEK AHEAD: I am heading off to Houston Monday morning to catch the Dodgers against the Astros for two of the three games. (I will be at the games tomorrow and Wednesday.) Chad Billingsley gets the nod tomorrow, Mark Hendrickson goes Tuesday, and Derek Lowe on Wednesday. All three games are 5:05 PM starts in L.A. I will have limited or no access to the internet until I get back Thursday afternoon, so I'll blog about my stay in Houston then. Photos might even accompany my next entry! Anyway, until then, have a safe week and remember, THINK BLUE.
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