(03-31-2024, 01:53 PM)The D.O.Z. Wrote: Diaz has had a rough go of it since the AS break last season. That was brutal, Saturday. I hope he bounces back, but if not, we do have Pagan, who has closed games prior to being here.

I see Hunter Green still hasn't figured out how to pitch. No movement on his FB, trouble consistently hitting the SZ. 100 pitches through 4.2 innings, 4 walks. Same problems, new season.  I know it's just his first game of the season, but his ST was the same. Gives me little reason to think otherwise.

(03-31-2024, 08:45 PM)samhain Wrote: Great win today.  I really thought they were cooked this time.

I think Diaz is a bigger problem than we'd like him to be.  He's been having problems since the middle of last year.  I'm not sure he's a tenable closer until I see otherwise.  

In the meantime, it might be wise for them to consider different options.  My first and most realistic one is Connor Phillips.  He's a hard-throwing beast that has trouble after a few runs through the batting order.  It would be painful to give up on a higher end starting prospect, but I think he fits the bill for a closer.

My other far less realistic option is Hunter Greene.  This is super unlikely due to his contract and the work they've put in developing him.  Still, he's not really a kid anymore.  He's 25 and still hasn't figured out how to transition from hard thrower to pitcher.  He also looks quite a bit fatter and seemed gassed the other day.  

Martinez will likely head to the pen when Lodolo returns, and that's okay, but it's something to consider.  Pitching reinforcements are coming regardless, and most are starters.  If Greene can't finally get his shit together, I'd have to think hard on reconsidering his role in the near future.

(04-01-2024, 12:53 PM)bengalfan74 Wrote: I agree, the young excuse for Greene is starting to wear out. In 47 games started for his career he has 9 wins with an ERA of 4.61. And as the old saying goes at some point you are what the back of your baseball card says you are.

And, like you say, he has to learn how to be a pitcher and not just expect to blow the fastball by everybody. It's not going to work for him as a starter. He has to learn how to throw at least 3 different speed pitches for strikes. And he's running out of time to do it.

Abbott with the start today. He got knocked around pretty hard in spring training. Lets hope he's got that behind him. Because I'm a little worried about him as well.