Let’s See Santana Demand the Ball
By Mike Silva ~ July 23rd, 2010. Filed under: Mike Silva, New York Mets.
Last Sunday the Mets were in a “must win” situation against the Giants. Johan Santana, their ace, pitched like one dodging bullets in the early innings and shutting down the Giants late to put the Mets in position to win after eight innings. Despite the fact that Santana had 115 pitches and retired nine straight Jerry Manuel elected to bring K-Rod in to close the game out. We know what happened in perhaps the most bizarre ninth inning in team history.
A day later Joe Delgrippo – a freelance writer who does a segment on Fox Sports 1310 in South Jersey- took Manuel to task for his decision. Delgrippo long has criticized managers for quick hooks on starters. This usually leaves the game up to unreliable bullpens blowing leads that seemingly were in hand. Delgrippo was harsh on Manuel calling him “stupid.” Although I don’t agree with most of Manuel’s X and O type moves, I think the man is far from stupid. Maybe stubborn, but not stupid.
Regardless, Delgrippo talks about numerous situations where Santana was pulled and how it has hurt the Mets all the way back to 2008. Here is my devil’s advocate: how do we know Santana wanted to continue into the ninth on Sunday or any other situation where he was taken out early?
There have been instances where Santana asked to stay in the game. I am not insinuated he is soft, however I wouldn’t put him in the same class as CC Sabathia when it comes to workload. Maybe 100 pitches isn’t his threshold, but 115 is starting to get up there. What is the point of no return for Santana in a game? Can he realistically go 130 pitches more often than not? Would it be wise knowing his injury history?
Before I “tar and feather” Jerry Manuel for his utilization of Johan Santana I need to see him demand the ball in these situations more. With the way the Mets offense is going a shutout tonight might be necessary. If its 2-1 after eight and he has about 110 pitches what would you prefer? A K-Rod ninth inning or Santana? Logic says K-Rod because Manuel will insist he needs “work,” but the results on the road trip scream go with your ace. If he doesn’t should it be all Manuel’s fault? Where is the ace of the staff demanding the ball in the ninth? Let me see that a few times before I take Manuel to task on this subject.
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:06 am
That’s not Johan’s job. He’s not asking out of these games either.
If Manuel were a strong manager, he’d make the “correct” move and either leave Santana or replace him. It’s his job to figure out if Santana is gassed, or if he’s hitting 92, retired 9 guys in a row, and is cruising on 6 days rest. (he was)
There have been multiple instances of this over the years, and it happened twice in a month against the Phillies in 2008. This is just one of the many reasons Jerry needs to be fired. He doesn’t learn from his mistakes.
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:39 am
How do you possibly know that Santana has not said I am done? Manuel asked him point blank a couple of weeks ago on the mound and he said he was fine. Santana challenged him once in 2009 vs the Phillies on the mound, but the rest of the time he could have said he is done.
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Actually, Manuel didn’t ask him, Johan told him. there’s a difference.