Location: I would never let my children play hockey. The risk of getting drafted by Edmonton is too high", ON Joined: 08.11.2011
Oct 4 @ 1:49 PM ET
If I was to stick Montoyo with blame, I'd probably look at the way he handled his starters more than his bullpen. I would think it's up to Pete Walker to advise him which guy, he thinks, has it and who doesn't - or who lines up best against whom, and whatnot. When a Chatwood or a Dolis or a f'n Hand sucks, especially with the 3 batter minimum, that's not entirely on Montoyo.
Where I did get frustrated was knowing that the bullpen was weakened and overutilized, and then watching early hooks on a starter because they are entering the 3rd time through a lineup despite dominating. At least wait until the starter gets into some trouble. Look at the pitches. If they're losing velocity, losing the zone, or if the opposition batters have gotten a good read on what they have to offer - then it's a good time to pull them. All too often early this year in particular (he seemed to get better in August/September) a starter was given the hook before trouble could brew which taxed the underqualified - but overperforming bullpen too much, and probably resulted in more poor performances out of them in the end.
You can also throw Shatkins under the bus - if they are collectively going with a Sports Science approach towards baseball where you're going to pull your starter after 2 times through the lineup, then you'd better stock your bullpen for such an approach - you need some longer arms, and a number of quality relievers. That's something they absolutely didn't do. - Monkeypunk
that's the fault of analytics though, isn't it? The third time through the batting order, is usually the most challenging for the starter.. It's not so much Montoyo's fault.. I put that on Shatkins
Location: “Give me Point, Cirelli and Paul all day against anybody.” Mr. Cooper , ON Joined: 07.06.2007
Oct 4 @ 1:50 PM ET
In fairness one was mostly saying a fight is not a reality…. - jribout
But dude two did say he’d beat him up with a boner. Not sure if he’d use it as a weapon or if he was just happy to see him. There was plenty of weirdness to go around.
Yeah, I know the KKK line isn't exactly kosher, but I actually think they would be pretty effective! - mjones242
Your lines are much more likely.
I just can't get over the idea of Tavares or Marner consistently playing against a 3rd defense pairing. Both players have shown the ability to elevate their linemates - I say we let them do it.
Location: “Give me Point, Cirelli and Paul all day against anybody.” Mr. Cooper , ON Joined: 07.06.2007
Oct 4 @ 1:54 PM ET
that's the fault of analytics though, isn't it? The third time through the batting order, is usually the most challenging for the starter.. It's not so much Montoyo's fault.. I put that on Shatkins - PatC80
They won 91 games with what was a pretty poopty rotation for a while and a worse pen for longer.
Ritchie AM MM
Mikey JT Willie
Bunting Kerfoot, Kase
Spezza Kampf someone else who’s not above
I doubt Mikey lasts long ( top 6 ) but you never know, race down and get the puck ( don’t stand there like a deer in headlights ) and pass the puck right away to JT or WN.
Hoist cup
The end.
Damn, forgot about Engvall because, well, he's really (frank)ing forgettable.
