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Post by winthorp on Aug 14, 2021 2:27:19 GMT -5
It's always nice to wake up and find we've vaulted back into first place despite all the obstacles--mainly Snot and Smith. Keep it up, guys!
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Post by rennymadeit on Aug 14, 2021 7:48:56 GMT -5
It’s clear we fans don’t think Will Smith should be anything but a member of the BP. During the rain delay fans were calling in questions ...a fan asked Chris Dimino who HE thought was the best pitcher in the BP. Chris replied, at this point, Matzek has the best stats and knows how to get guys out. The fan then asked, then why is our best RP not closing out games? Without bashing WS, Chris shook his head and said, were it the last three outs in game five of a playoff game, he’d want Matzek because he’s nervous every time Will Smith is on the mound.
Because he hadn’t seen enough of RR pitching, he couldn’t fully back him. That has merit but ...
My suggestion, why couldn’t Snit alternate between Matzek and WS in the in 9th, or use RR to alternate with Smith and see who rises to the top? The competition might inspire Smith to be better....or prove he’s not fit for the closer role, which we can see with our eyes. For all the changes this lineup has seen this season, can a shakeup in the 9th really hurt this team’s chemistry at this point??
Just alternate in the 9th ...closer by committee ..until someone proves his metal.
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Post by littlebeast1 on Aug 14, 2021 8:05:50 GMT -5
The biggest problem with Smith is that he really doesn’t have the mental makeup to be a reliable closer. He has good enough stuff but he is continually getting himself in unnecessary jams. Twice in the last few games he has hit a batter with two strikes. You simply cannot do that. He also, like many other pitchers, nibbles instead of attacks when he has two strikes. Can’t do that either. I know everyone is convinced that Snit won’t make a change but I think (and hope) Smith is on a shorter leash now. I don’t think Jackson would have been up in the ninth last night if Snit was 100% sold that he was going to live and die with his closer guy. We’ll see. There certainly are better options at this point.
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Post by keystone61 on Aug 14, 2021 9:24:55 GMT -5
I agree about his mental makeup lacking, but I'm not sure Smith has the stuff to close. His fastball has no movement, and he's constantly hanging the breaking ball. Straight fastballs and hanging breaking balls are what hitters feast on.
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Post by Hart's Middle Finger on Aug 14, 2021 11:53:15 GMT -5
The biggest problem with Smith is that he really doesn’t have the mental makeup to be a reliable closer. He has good enough stuff but he is continually getting himself in unnecessary jams. Twice in the last few games he has hit a batter with two strikes. You simply cannot do that. He also, like many other pitchers, nibbles instead of attacks when he has two strikes. Can’t do that either. I know everyone is convinced that Snit won’t make a change but I think (and hope) Smith is on a shorter leash now. I don’t think Jackson would have been up in the ninth last night if Snit was 100% sold that he was going to live and die with his closer guy. We’ll see. There certainly are better options at this point. I think you are reading too much into Jackson being up. He has pulled Smith before after he gave up a 2-3 run homer and gave away a lead only to trot him right back out as closer guy. He had Jackson up in case the Braves would have found themselves down 5-4 with a runner on and no one out; a distinct possibility with Smith. Just not sure at all Jackson up meant much. |
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Post by Hart's Middle Finger on Aug 14, 2021 11:56:34 GMT -5
I mis-read or skipped a word. I read it while I was walking the dog. I walked into a spider web while I was walking and reading my phone at the same time. I should probably not do this anymore. Especially if it's one of these: It was dark... I freaked... it was a sight, I'm sure. |
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hokiedan
AA prospect
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Post by hokiedan on Aug 14, 2021 12:24:48 GMT -5
Especially if it's one of these: It was dark... I freaked... it was a sight, I'm sure.  |
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Post by Fumbduckery on Aug 14, 2021 12:27:00 GMT -5
Smith has a really good slider, but when you can’t command it and your fastball is 93 and straight you’re in big trouble.
Someone asked why Snitker couldn’t alternate guys. Because he’s too rigid in his thinking. We’ve long had an organizational philosophy of every player having a very defined role and then they stay in that role no matter what. It works good for Snitker personally because it’s less thinking and fewer moves he has to make.
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Post by Fumbduckery on Aug 14, 2021 13:21:38 GMT -5
That reminds me of one of my favorite memes ever.
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