All of us armchair managers think we could handle an MLB bullpen.
Of course, the real managers have access to information those of us on the outside simply do not. That’s a handicap when managing a pen from afar, something that we all need to acknowledge. My opinion is that it’s not an insurmountable disadvantage. Reasonable people can think otherwise.
My impression is that Carlos Mendoza bungled his bullpen usage down the stretch and that he got bailed out by the offense on Tuesday. Specifically, he should not have used Phil Maton three days in a row and he should not have brought Edwin Diaz into Game #161 in the eighth inning.
It’s only natural to have relievers you trust more than others. And, certainly, there are guys that you don’t want to use in high-leverage situations, either. But Mendoza should have four guys he feels okay about using in the eighth inning or later — the aforementioned Diaz and Maton, along with Jose Butto and Reed Garrett.
In 36 IP as a reliever during the regular season, Butto had a 2.00 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. Additionally, he limited batters to a .527 OPS coming in out of the pen. It’s true he had a bad stretch late in the year, the type of thing every reliever has. But in his last five games of the regular season, Butto had 5 IP, 0 R, 0 BB and 8 Ks. And of course there was yesterday’s 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB and 3 K outing in G1 of the Wild Card series.
Meanwhile, Garrett had been lights-out for most of the close to 2024, save his poor outing in the Milwaukee series.
Mendoza’s moves have worked out better than he had any right to expect. Still, we’re looking at G2 where Butto is likely unavailable and if either Diaz or Maton have to be used, they’ll likely be less than 100%.
Somewhere this century, the idea materialized that one day off automatically refreshes a reliever, regardless of how often he’s pitched recently. A lot of people will come into today thinking that a day off nullifies any effects the 66 pitches Diaz threw in the two previous games or that it will be no issue to use Maton for the fourth time in five days. But you won’t find me in that camp.
There are times you have to go to the whip. If the Mets hold a one-run lead in the ninth inning tonight, Diaz should be in the game. Still, the danger of going to the whip in the Wild Card round is that you’re courting danger in the near future, whether that comes in the NLDS, the NLCS or the World Series.
Ideally, the offense puts up another eight runs today and Mendoza can use Garrett and the “B” relievers to finish up. But a close game and a loss today will put the pen in perilous shape for the series-deciding game on Thursday.
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Join us in the Game Chatter for G2 of the Wild Card series, which is slated for a 7:30 start. Here’s the direct link — https://substack.com/chat/1934025/post/458fb1b3-cb7a-4574-b475-b1c0207fe314
The reality is that all of us armchair, managers think we can do it better than those who are in their current positions. The reality is we cannot. We have debated and argued about Mendoza’s use of his entire roster this season and especially his questionable use of the pen. We are quick to point out when it fails and hardly ever willing to give credit when his move works. Clearly Mendoza doesn’t throw run hit or field and must rely on the players to do their jobs. When Butto came in the other day I had almost forgotten that he was on the roster since I couldn’t remember the last time he pitched. And when he threw two perfect innings, I started to wonder why we haven’t seen him more often. Bring back the days of Goose Gossage when he pitched one or two winnings and could throw nearly every day. Our relief, pitchers, and for that matter, our starting pitchers have become soft.
I’ll take a win anyway we can get it and I am a big fan of small ball because waiting for that three run home run could leave you waiting a long time. Let’s take game two and move onto Philadelphia.
Yanks/Mets WS? Maybe!
Game #1 DH, 9/30 Bot 8th, Mets 7 Braves 4: I would have pitched Butto because had 5 appearances in a row without a ER and also allowed only one hit in that time frame. His last appearance was 9/27. Mendoza’s moves didn’t work,taxing Maton and then Diaz in the eighth. He was bailed out by Lindor.
Game #1, Playoffs, 10/1 , Bot 9th, Mets 8 Brewers 4: Stanek replaced Butto. See my comment to Gus in the Gut Reaction.
One day off doesn’t automatically refresh a relief pitcher. I’m with Brian’s camp. Judiciously use relief pitchers with the eye of the whole picture of the playoffs.
10/2: shame on Mendoza! He hadn’t read the Wednesday catch-all thread ! He could have learned something.
Alert: change in starting time of game 3
7:08 ET on ESPN per mlb.com
Thanks for the update!
I have to give it some further thought. If any of you have a different opinion, please elaborate
Greatest Single¹ At-Bats in New York Mets History
1. Mookie Wilson, 1986 World Series Game 6, October 25th, Bottom of 10th inning, Shea Stadium, Bob Stanley pitching
2. Pete Alonso, 2024 NLWC Game 3, October 3rd, Top of 9th inning, American Family Field, Devin Wiliams pitching
1. By single at-bat, I mean one event, not what it led to (or will lead to)
Todd Pratt is up there as well.
Senga starting Game 1!!!
That is great news. Hopefully he can give 3 innings but that might be optimistic.
Kranick was going to be dropped for Megill. Who gets left off the NLDS roster for Senga? My guess in Brazoban.