This is getting close to the point of where this isn't just a slow start but rather this is who we are and what we have. It's very much looking like a cluster phuck.
Only fallen stars on this team. I've been holding off judgement on this team and trying not to be a Debbie downer, but it is as I thought in February. This team is not a team. Poorly put together and no life to it.
I got to not like listening when Provus came on board. Just not a fan of his yelling about a HR when we're already behind by 7 runs. Nothing personal. I grew up listening to Herb. Nothing could measure up to him.
Flip a coin between Gasper and Julien. I would have no objection to both going down and calling up a second player. I liked the spark that Martin showed when he was called up last April. I know many have given up on him but I haven't, imo he brings far more to the club than Julien does.
I have no confidence that Lewis will ever stay healthy. His own history is what warrants this. This isn't said to speak negatively about him. It's my perspective.
I also have no issue in him being confident in himself. That being said however. Royce has no grounds or standing to downgrade Schwarber, another player. Lewis should call Kyle up and issue a public apology to boot. On this he was very wrong. No excuses.
Players are not a number on a stat sheet and even we as fans shouldn't look at them as such. Most teams that win a WS do so because they mesh together into a team. The 1988 Dodgers come to my mind, that wasn't the best most talented team that year but they had chemistry going for them.
4IP from Richardson. Stats look acceptable for a #4 SP. But 4 IP from a SP on a regular basis is a problem. His stats looked good last season but his starts were a huge part of last seasons BP collapse.
I'll always have a soft spot for Viola. Seeing him grow into a TOR SP after a rough start to his career. I'll always have a soft spot for Viola, Hrbek, Brunansky, Gaetti, Laudner, Bush. They endured 1982 and won Minnesota it's first WS titles.
I highly doubt that there are very many fringe players or pitchers who are complaining about a short stint on an MLB roster. I'm certain they see it as an opportunity to make an impression they otherwise didn't have.
I'm curious who will get to pickup a few IP tonight for SWR's standard short outing.
It's just 4 games to start the season. I still think the team wins somewhere between 76-82 games. We did little to nothing to improve last seasons 82 win team however, so I'm sticking with my mediocre outlook. This isn't a PO team. But 4 games doesn't make or break a season. Tie up your shoe laces and play a good game tonight.
Absolutely, late inning subs in a blowout is normal. Further if you want Kiersey and Julien to get game time then put them in the lineup tomorrow from the get go and let them have at it. They may even provide a spark.
According to my schedule this Friday is also an off date. Not buying that one either. Gamers play. If Buxton and Correa can't play out a 9-0 game they contributed to then it's time for them to move on.
But sitting your two top players in the 4th inning gave the team the message that they can quit. Rocco better figure out how to rectify this one, and soon. Did they need to sit because it was cold? I worked all day out in the chilly weather. Once your working it's out of the mind. If the same isn't the case for Buck and Correa then they aren't players.
I'm one who is not concerned about 4 losses. 4 losses in a row is not uncommon or the end of the world or season. You lace up your shoes and try again tomorrow. But you also don't pull two of your starters out of the game in the 4th inning. This isn't ST. If it was to send a message that's ridiculous. A simple word in the ear along the lines of, "you guys are part of the 9-0 hole we are in. Now get out on the field and battle. We don't get to quit."
Losing to the CWS 9-0 today is not a good sign. It's yet only 0-4 and winning the last two of the trip would be a boost. Tons of teams have started 0-4 and had good seasons. But the bottom line is this team is very poorly put together. This is not a good team positionally.
As I posted after yesterdays game, aside from 6-7 weeks at the end of 2023 this team has lacked having a personality for 4 full seasons now. Very lifeless and listless team. This is very much a problem.