Don’t hang last night’s loss of Brian Stokes- hang it on Jerry Manuel! Earlier this year Jerry Manuel was brought to task by the Media for over working Pedro Feliciano, last night his mishandling of the bullpen came to bear its head once again.
On Thursday, Gary & Keith were surprised that Stokes had come into a game that was well within hand.
If you look at Stokes appearances in the month of August, you will see he has pitched in 5 out of the last 6 days. For a guy who was seldom used prior to this month, it would see he was taxed. I watch virtually every game and he simply was not sharp.
Was it a case of “one of those days”? Or was it a case of over use? Based on Stokes in ability to execute pitches like he did the previous 13 outings (where he did not give up an earned run), I am going to go with the latter. I was simply shocked to see Stokes come out in Thursday’s blow out and I can’t help but think Brian Stokes wouldn’t be public enemy number one this morning if Jerry gave his one inning Thursday to Lance Broadway! This reoccurring mismanagement is another reason that the Mets shouldn’t be so quick to anoint Manuel as the manager of the 2010 team. Injuries or no injuries- this kind of miscalculation, this late in the year, would not sit well with anyone if the Mets happened to be in a pennant chase!
Jerry has been a pitcher killer throughout his career. I'm glad others are finally see it. This guys has cost the Mets no fewer than 10 loses this year. Turn those games around and we might have had to play some meaningful games in Sept. he and his moron boss have just got to go.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the Mets most likely will be stuck with both next year. Whatever reasoning the organization wants to use, it does not seem likely they will want to pay a manager or GM while Jerry and Omar are still collecting pay checks.
ReplyDeleteWhat would be interesting is if the Mets could somehow talk the FA to be Dave Duncan to take over as pitching coach. This would probably be too costly, though.