06-03-2010, 07:02 PM
Rob Neyer of ESPN was talking about the D-Backs managerial situation today, and it sounded like it came directly from this thread. I think the thoughts are somewhat universal:
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->The biggest problem is the bullpen ... which is good news! Because the easiest thing to fix is the bullpen. Even if the Diamondbacks do nothing, the bullpen will improve. (because bullpen pitchers fluctuate up and down so much) Unfortunately, there aren't any other quick fixes available, as the Diamondbacks' Triple-A roster seems bereft of power arms.
Well, there's one quick fix (maybe): Fire the manager!
I don't type those words lightly. A.J. Hinch seems like an intelligent fellow, and I'm not blaming the Diamondbacks' struggles this season or last on him. But Kendrick (the GM) goes out of his way to absolve Hinch, which seems odd considering that <b>if the manager has a great deal of power over one thing on the club, it's probably the bullpen</b>. He might not choose the relievers he's got, but he does decide how they're used. Isn't it fair to suggest that<b> a different manager</b> might be getting more out of his relievers than Hinch has gotten?<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->The biggest problem is the bullpen ... which is good news! Because the easiest thing to fix is the bullpen. Even if the Diamondbacks do nothing, the bullpen will improve. (because bullpen pitchers fluctuate up and down so much) Unfortunately, there aren't any other quick fixes available, as the Diamondbacks' Triple-A roster seems bereft of power arms.
Well, there's one quick fix (maybe): Fire the manager!
I don't type those words lightly. A.J. Hinch seems like an intelligent fellow, and I'm not blaming the Diamondbacks' struggles this season or last on him. But Kendrick (the GM) goes out of his way to absolve Hinch, which seems odd considering that <b>if the manager has a great deal of power over one thing on the club, it's probably the bullpen</b>. He might not choose the relievers he's got, but he does decide how they're used. Isn't it fair to suggest that<b> a different manager</b> might be getting more out of his relievers than Hinch has gotten?<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance