I once said years ago Wentz would be better than Manning. I was wrong but hopefully they both contribute. But Wentz hasn’t pitched in crucial situations until yesterday so I wouldn’t get your hopes up just yet.
So please tell me for those watching the game. Two questions :
1. Could a better first baseman have caught the ball down the line Tork flailed at ? Or knocked it down for a single.
2. Would Verling have caught the ball that carpenter fielded on the bounce ? ( nice throw but was it catchable? )
Am I being critical ?
I totally agree with you but what I do not understand is why management presents this as an all or none situation. They play 162 games - 9 innings per game - 4 AB's per game . Add it all up thats a heck of a lot of runway ! I agree no Chapman or long term guys but we could have added two more veteran bats in the 5 to 12 million range to sprinkle in with the kids to keep our offense off the bloody floor. Look how much Urshela helped in his limited time. Where would we be without Canha ? Does Colt Keith HAVE to play EVERY day ? Does Tork have to play every day..etc..etc..Does McKinstry need to be on the team ? I mean isn't 100 to 120 games and 400 ABs enough runway for first and second year players ? It would be nice to come into New York for a tough series and have four established bats in the lineup with Greene instead of one.
Why does it have to be all kids all the time ?
Lineup changes only help marginally unless a player has a mental block for a certain spot. Best hitters one and two for the possible 5th at bat that game is it really. Maybe switch Canha and Greene but how much does that really help.
I would put the best defensive team on the field and stop platooning so much. Verling and Carpenter hitting for each other is dumb when you have 2 to 4 weaker bats to hit for.
As for Tork I would DH him against lefthanders only for the next 6 weeks then progress to playing him against some righties if he is hitting lefties. Finally let him play first.
Baby steps at the MLB level. He’s a head case in my book so a trip down won’t ease his anxiety about hitting in the bigs.
I am frustrated but I think we have made THIS bed and just have to sleep in it. I just don't see any real help thats ready yet in Toledo. Jung needs reps at third and thats about it with Kreidler and Leornd hurt. Maybe Ibanez can help now that he is back and perhaps platoon Keith and Meadows for a spell and DH Tork to focus on hitting. Have to stay patient.