1. Bullpen is fine in terms of composition, just how they are deployed needs to change. Hader shouldn't be protecting 4-run leads. The Abreu-Pressly-Hader combination should not be used as if it is on auto-pilot. Rest and matchups should matter. 2. No need to trade for a bat if #3 is used. 3. Chas can stay on the roster and get the Grae treatment. Loperfido and Leon can take the spots occupied by Grae and Abreu. 4. The Manfraud runner was an issue every year in the Dusty era also...
Everyone is pressing to have the big hit in that situation... rather than playing to the situation...
We missed on a crucial opportunity in the 7th and then, predictably, never had a baserunner again. Even though we weren’t losing yet, you could feel the game end with Yordan’s pop out
1.They lack depth in the bullpen and you can reconfigure things anyway you would like and it wont make a difference. They're an arm short IMHO. 2.-3. They're having issues scoring runs, are you saying adding a middle of the order bat like Vlad wouldn't make a difference? I'm thinking they split the one run games with a bat like Vlad added to Alvarez and Tucker. That would probably have them in first place despite all of the other issues. 4. I dont care about Dusty, one run games are direct reflection on the manager.
With 1... having Taylor, Seth, or Dubin would be an upgrade in leverage situations. 2-3. Loperfido, Leon, or Dubon everyday would be an upgrade over near auto-outs in Chas and Abreu.
You're wanting to stand pat and that's a way to get more of the same. The guys you listed shouldn't be pitching in leverage situations except in rare occasions. Yes, Loperfido/Dubon/Leon may or not be upgrades. Vlad is a true upgrade, not just a hope to be an upgrade or a slight upgrade. Vlad would be a difference maker. Want to win more 1 run games, add a big bat and a high leverage reliever.
Eh, it’s largely luck or bullpen failure (which sometimes is manager induced). I’d be just as concerned if they had a very positive record in one run games. A lot of people thought Pressly deserved to still be the closer, but there’s an extremely good chance they’d be even worse right now without Hader and that’s extremely scary considering he was thought of as a total luxury.