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So does anyone still want to replace Miguel Batista with Kyle Farnsworth?

It got a little bit lost in the marathon drama that followed, but there would have been no drama had it not been for Farnsworth's dreadful performance in the eighth and ninth innings. Which was itself wholly in keeping with the work of the Braves' bullpen in this series.

Bobby Cox is a no-doubt Hall of Famer, and rightly so. But no manager is perfect, and this - finding the right guy to give the ball to when it's time to close the game - has long been his Achilles heel.

Tonight, the Angels and Yankees settle the only Division Series that required the full five games. Bartolo Colon vs Mike Mussina, first pitch sometime after 8:00.

Go White Sox.

This Day in Baseball, Playoff Edition: October 10 | 17 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Gitz - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 03:21 PM EDT (#129931) #
I hereby withdraw my endrosement of the Farnsworth For Closer campaign . . .
Lugnut Fan - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 03:36 PM EDT (#129932) #
It's nice to see they Kyle Farnsworth that I know and love from his days with the Cubs decided to make an appearance this season. haha :)
King Ryan - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 03:37 PM EDT (#129933) #
I know you were just being cute, but...

So does anyone still want to replace Miguel Batista with Kyle Farnsworth?

Yes.

CaramonLS - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 04:03 PM EDT (#129934) #
If anything, it is better for us, because his value has gone down a little bit.

SK in NJ - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 04:16 PM EDT (#129936) #
Farnsworth
2000: 77.0 IP, 6.43 ERA, .864 OPS against
2001: 82.0 IP, 2.74 ERA, .628 OPS against
2002: 47.2 IP, 7.33 ERA, .924 OPS against
2003: 76.1 IP, 3.30 ERA, .580 OPS against
2004: 67.2 IP, 4.73 ERA, .769 OPS against
2005: 70.0 IP, 2.19 ERA, .542 OPS against

Does anyone notice a consistent pattern of inconsistency (if that makes sense)? He seems to alternate bad year with great year. He has the stuff to be dominating, but he's not someone I'd be confident in giving a long-term contract to. He'll probably command around what Batista makes anyway, given the premium for closers.

Given Batista's history of over-performing in the first half, I'd let him be the closer for the first half of next season (where he'll probably put up a 2.50 ERA), then trade him at the deadline before he inevitably collapses. If all goes to plan, someone like League or Rosario or even Frasor could slide into the closer role in the second half (ala Huston Street...though not as good, obviously).

Closer, while it can be upgraded, is not the issue for this team. Get some offense...please!
HollywoodHartman - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 04:17 PM EDT (#129937) #
Ed Wade has been fired by the Phillies... Last year the manager, then this year the GM, maybe they just suck
Dr. Zarco - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 06:29 PM EDT (#129944) #
I want no part of Farnsworth. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. He's a decent pitcher who can get whacked around the ballpark when he can't locate his nasty breaking ball and has to throw his laser straight fastball. To make it worse, he's supposed to be a real jerk, not someone that would seem to fit in with the fun-loving Jays. I will find it extremely hard to get myself to cheer for him if he's ever a Jay.
Jabes - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 06:57 PM EDT (#129945) #
Did anybody else see this?
StephenT - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 09:34 PM EDT (#129949) #
I don't like the 2-2-1 format. Maybe it's my imagination, but the players don't look as sharp tonight (after traveling overnight).

It seems especially silly to try and favour one team when they won the same number of games during the season (95).

It's debatable if 2-2-1 is the best way to favour the higher seed team anyway. Games 1 and 2 are never must-win. Games 3 and 4 might be. Wanting the first 2 games at home is a bit like choosing to use your closer in the 1st few innings to try and get a lead. The potential "series-win probability added" is greater later in the series.

I think I also heard on the radio that since the 2-2-1 format, the higher seed team has only won 12 of 28 series going into this year (but I haven't checked this).

In the old 2-3 format, occasionally a higher seed team would get swept, and they would blame the format. Losing the first two put them in "too big" a hole. But it's always easier to blame someone other than yourself.

(There have been times a team lost the first 2, but won the final 3 at home, e.g. Mariners over NYY in '95, Padres over Cubs in '84.)

2-2-1 is optimized for home gate revenue of the higher seed, not for winning the series.

What I suggest is go back to the 2-3 format. Give the higher seed the choice of the first 2 at home or the final 3.

In exchange for saving the players a potential flight between Games 4 and 5, add a wildcard knockout round (e.g. up to 4 wildcard teams which play 1-game knockouts to be the 4th team in the Division Series, while the 3 division winners get an extra couple days to set up their pitching).
Lefty - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 10:25 PM EDT (#129951) #
Yeah, I posted that info on Thursday or Friday. It went without any comment and is going without comment again today.

So, is Butera replacing anyone? Or is this a new position within the organization? IIRC it is a new position.

I find it kind of curious that there is no comment from the team even if its just fluff. Other than a career description all it says is Butera will report to the GM.

I guess we will wait and see if precipitates any organizational shift in philosophy or activity. My guess it that Butera will have an expanded role in the scouting and developement.

Imho this is probably a good idea. One, you make better use of your organizational team. Two, A guy with Butera's resume obviously has a lot to offer the club in a higher position. And three, in this day and age it is to much to ask for to have Ricciardi directly responsible for all aspects of the team. Better to shove some of that responsibility across the table.

Yeah, I like this move. I wish Sal luck in his new role.
CaramonLS - Monday, October 10 2005 @ 11:27 PM EDT (#129952) #
This team needs a little fire in them. If there is a bench clearing brawl, I want someone to protect the smurfs.

Farnsworth is that guy.

In all seriousness though, this team really does need someone with an attitude - because this team has lost confidence in "I wont talk to the media anymore" Batista. I'd have a lot more confidence in Farnsworth, who is at worst a decent 7th inning guy.



Twilight - Tuesday, October 11 2005 @ 12:08 AM EDT (#129954) #
IMO Frasor has proven for two years now that he has what it takes to close. A blistering 95 mph fastball complemented by a nasty slow curve. #2 in the AL in inherited runners stranded (according to the broadcasters anyway). Had a couple bad outings, but not as many as Batista. I think he could easily get that done.

Farnsworth is inconsistent and I think the last thing we need is yet another shaky closer eating up even more salary.
DepecheJay - Tuesday, October 11 2005 @ 12:13 AM EDT (#129955) #
Following the AFL is starting to get me worried about the Jays farm system. While guys like Brandon Wood continue to prove that they are MEGASTARS in the making, guys like Adam Lind are still hitting 000 for the young season. And this guy is supposed to be one of the Jays best hitting prospects? I know he's a solid guy, but he's just not in the same league as these other guys.

Also, the Angels are going to be a DYNASTY. I loved how they took a shot at Moneyball yesterday and said they could care less about Moneyball. Look at the minor league talent they have to compliment the great team they already have.Unreal.
Paul D - Tuesday, October 11 2005 @ 12:26 AM EDT (#129957) #
Depeche, the Angles aren't even going to win the ALCS, I don't think I'd go calling them a Dynasty just yet. Oakland looks pretty good for the next couple of years, and I wouldn't count out Texas.
Magpie - Tuesday, October 11 2005 @ 12:38 AM EDT (#129958) #
Other than a career description all it says is Butera will report to the GM.

Well, seeing as how Butera has spent most his Blue Jays tenure scouting the other major league teams, I'd assume that one of his main functions will be to consult with the GM on proposed trades.

Which in turn suggests that the GM hopes to be making some....

Magpie - Tuesday, October 11 2005 @ 12:49 AM EDT (#129959) #
... is this a new position within the organization?

The Media Guide lists one Special Assistant to the GM - that would be Keith Law. So I guess now they have two...

A-ha! The budget increase! Already we see its tracks!

R Billie - Tuesday, October 11 2005 @ 12:47 PM EDT (#129977) #
This position is supposed to be the one held by Bobby Mattick I think. Earlier this year the Jays tried to hire Mike Rizzo from the Diamondbacks (who has drafted excellent position players for several years running and a pretty good pitcher in Brandon Webb). They were rebuffed when the Diamondbacks refused permission.
This Day in Baseball, Playoff Edition: October 10 | 17 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.