We need to give Pete Maki some love!

[Rik19753]

Honestly, I'm not sure how much of the pitching surge we can attribute to Pete Maki, but since we are quick to criticize coaches when things are going wrong, I think it's only fair that we acknowledge Pete for helping build what has largely been a dominant pitching staff.

Last year, when he had to fill in as the pitching coach after Wes' abrupt departure, he wasn't put in a great spot. He was probably as surprised as every one of us that he was suddenly handed the reigns to the pitching staff. But after a year of preparation he has done a tremendous job, and he hasn't been getting the credit that he deserves. I'm pretty sure I've yet to see one comment praising Pete, whereas when Wes came in and did his thing a couple of years ago he was given a ton of credit. I imagine if Pete had come from outside the organization we would be heaping praises on him right now.

So, on behalf of Twins Territory, I would like to thank Pete for doing a great job with the pitching staff. Keep up the good work!

[ashbury]

A pitching coach is expected to know his stuff of course, but part of the job is to laugh at his pitchers' jokes when they're not so good, and listen to their troubles when they're not so bad.  We can judge by hardly any other criterion than results, and the results are there this year, so apparently he's keeping everyone on an even keel.  If he gets the blame for a few arms that aren't so good, then he gets credit for the arms that aren't so bad.