Back On Track?

Is it easier for a pitcher to get one out if he faces one batter or if he faces three batters? Is it easier for a pitcher to get three outs if he faces three batters or if he faces six batters? Obviously, the more batters a pitcher faces, the greater likelihood of getting more outs since the percentage goes down. Rather than having to get out 100% of the batters faced, the pitcher only needs to get out 33% of the batters. Imagine taking a test and knowing you can pass with a 33. Now imagine taking a test and knowing that either you will get a 100 or a zero. Which one would you rather?

These were the thoughts going through my mind as I watched last night’s Met game. Keith Hernandez and Gary Cohen were commenting on how nothing is coming easy to Jerry Manuel. Certainly this is true and certainly the Mets have blown leads they shouldn’t have and have caused heartache and trepidation among fans. Still, there are times I think Manuel, or any manager, makes things harder than they need to be. A pitcher is brought in to face one out. If the batter does not make an out, or even if he does, the pitcher is removed in favor of another pitcher. Sometimes I wish the manager would just leave the pitcher in for a few batters.

There are times when a pitcher does not have it. If two or three consecutive batters reach base, then take him out but give the pitcher a chance. A good pitcher, starter or relief, should be able to get people out from both sides of the plate. This way, if the opposing manager makes a lefty-righty switch with the batter, you still have confidence that your pitcher can get the out.

With Joe Smith on the mound last night, pitching as well as he has been going, and David Wright making an error, I think Manuel was too quick to make the pitching change. That was the first of three changes we saw that inning as Manuel kept switching it up. To me, this is over thinking. Let the pitcher pitch, the fielders field and the Mets win the ballgame. Fortunately the Mets did win the game but there were far too many changes for my taste.

I realize this is the way the game is played today but I wonder if we found a manager who was a throwback, how that team would fair. Either way, the Mets won yesterday and snapped a three game losing streak. It does not make everything right, far from it. Still, hopefully this gets them on the right track and the Mets can take the division.

Let’s Go Mets!