It's a tough deal, but when you choke two days in a row, the fans at least have a right to be mad. Damn nearly close to being now 2-0 in this series instead of playing a rubber game today.
If Lidge isn't closing, how do we know if he gets it together? Closing is quite different from setting up. Just ask Octavio Dotel.
I think right now it has more to do with his location problems. He will blow more and more games if we keep rolling him out their with a 1 or 2 run lead.
Well, if its truly mechanical, he will struggle at all times (not just in a save situation). And, judging from how he's looked this season in those non-save situations... something is just wrong when he releases the ball. Having him pitch in those situations allows him to get a feel again for his pitches in game situations, while not potentially costing the team victories.
btw...Isringhausen just blew his 2nd save of the year (2 out game tying bomb by Jose Hernandez). His ERA's now about 7. Just sayin'...
This has probably already been covered, but on ESPN, they have a pronunciation for Pujols. Pronounced: POO-holes No joke. Is that a pronunciation, or a commentary? That said, I should excuse myself. I need to release some POO out my POO-hole. BTW, he just got a walk-off single - another reliever Pujoled.
Yep. Just like Kirk Gibson ruined Eckersley. And Mazeroski ruined Ralph Terry. And F*ckhead Dykstra ruined Dave Smith. And Puckett ruined Charley Liebrandt. And Chad Curtis ruined Mike Remlinger. And Steve Garvey ruined Lee Smith. And Aaron Boone ruined Wakefield. etc... etc... But Mitch Williams was a flake so the script fits.
Damn, would the Cards lose some games already? Our start has been awesome, but it's frustrating that more than half the division is also playing .650 ball ...
In the end, the team that wins the division will likely be the one that has the best record within the NL Central... if we want it, we gotta take care of the Cubs/Cards/Brew Crew ourselves. May 3rd-4th is are first look at the Cards (@ MMP)... and it looks like it will be Oswalt and Pettite.
What's up with the closers today... Billy Wagner just gave up 3 runs in the ninth against the Giants (2 run shot to Bonds included)... game is tied now. Izzy blew a save (team still won) F. Cordero blew a save (team lost). Would be funny if Lidge gets another chance tonight...
That's why Billy's such a good closer, he's not afraid to challenge hitters. 1B was open btw. Vintage Billy.
I know Bonds was just the tying run, and walking him would have meant putting the winning run on board... and I know he's been struggling lately with the bat... but there is still absolutely no reason to pitch to him in that situation. What's more likely... Bonds hitting a HR that ties the game? Or the next guy (Lance Niekro) getting an extra-base hit that ties, or a HR that wins? Even despite of his struggles, he is still one of only a few guys in baseball that should never ever see a pitch if the game is on the line, even if it means going against conventional thinking: 1.) Pujols 2.) Bonds 3.) D. Ortiz
