McKeon might give bullpen a shake-up

[PBMarlin]

McKeon might give bullpen a shake-up

 

By Tom D'Angelo, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Friday, March 19, 2004

 

VERO BEACH -- The common thought is eight pitchers are vying for three spots in the Marlins' bullpen.

 

But after the past couple of days, manager Jack McKeon isn't so sure.

 

McKeon on Thursday warned those who believe their spot between the starters and closer Armando Benitez is secure.

 

"Just because you were here for a half year last year doesn't guarantee anything,'' McKeon said. "If somebody else jumps ahead of you, too bad.''

 

McKeon was speaking specifically of Nate Bump, who allowed three runs (two earned) in two innings during the Dodgers' 9-6 victory against the Marlins on Thursday. Bump, Chad Fox and Benitez are the relievers whose jobs appeared safe, but all three have had rough outings the past two days. Only Bump could pitch himself off the team.

 

"Somebody has got to take charge and throw strikes, stay in front of the hitters,'' McKeon said.

 

Somebody has, namely those who are pitching for survival. Each of the eight candidates has had one outing since Saturday, and none allowed a run. They combined for 13 1/3 innings and eight hits.

 

"They're all doing pretty well,'' McKeon said. "It's going to come down to which way we want to go. Let's hope we pick the right ones. Right now you can take any of them.''

 

The eight -- left-handers Michael Tejera, Tommy Phelps and Matt Perisho and right-handers Blaine Neal, Michael Neu, Scott Sanders, Justin Wayne and Toby Borland -- are making it difficult for McKeon and pitching coach Wayne Rosenthal. Five have ERAs below 1.50 and Neal, Neu and Wayne have not allowed an earned run in a combined 14 innings.

 

"We want to make it tough for them,'' Phelps said. "You pull for everybody and just hope you're the guy they want.''

 

And just because a pitcher is sent down in March or April does not mean he won't be in a Marlins uniform in June or July.

 

"I've been sent down eight times the last two years for every reason, '' Neal said. "You've got to realize eventually if things keep going your way your time will come.''

 

The Marlins could trade for an established reliever. McKeon was asked if he was satisfied picking from this group without seeking outside help.

 

"I don't think any manager would say he's satisfied with anything,'' he said. "You always want to get better. I think what we've got is workable.''

 

Ideally, the Marlins will keep two left-handers, one which appears to be Tejera, who drew praise from McKeon for his three shutout innings against the Dodgers on Wednesday.

 

But even that is not a certainty, especially considering last season when the Marlins had one left-hander (Tejera) in the bullpen for much of the second half of the season and playoffs until Dontrelle Willis filled the gap in the NLCS and World Series.

 

Fox fills the main setup role. The final three pitchers will be used mostly in the sixth and seventh innings, in situations to face one batter and to eat up innings when a starter struggles, something McKeon does not take lightly.

 

McKeon credits his long relievers for saving his staff in San Diego and allowing closer Mark Davis to win the Cy Young in 1989.

 

"They'd come in 6-1 games, get the (crap) kicked out of them,'' McKeon said. "The next guy would get the (crap) kicked out of him. The third guy, he gets the (crap) kicked out of him. The next day, two of the three say, 'Hey, we're ready to go again.'

 

"Those guys are lifesavers. Somebody's got to go in and take a beating. They save your staff.''

 

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Article

[PBMarlin]

At this point I'm going with Tejera (I know, but he is having a great spring) and Neu. And then Neal, Bump, Phelps, Perisho or Wayne vying for the last spot.

[catchoftheday]

At this point I'm going with Tejera (I know, but he is having a great spring) and Neu. And then Neal, Bump, Phelps, Perisho or Wayne vying for the last spot.

so your going with 13 pitchers ... because you got 6 right there, than theres Fox, and Benitez, plus the starting 5? uh?

 

 

my take (which probably has changed every week)

 

Tejera / Perisho / Fox / Neal / Benitez / Bump or Neu

[PBMarlin]

At this point I'm going with Tejera (I know, but he is having a great spring) and Neu. And then Neal, Bump, Phelps, Perisho or Wayne vying for the last spot.

so your going with 13 pitchers ... because you got 6 right there, than theres Fox, and Benitez, plus the starting 5? uh?

 

 

my take (which probably has changed every week)

 

Tejera / Perisho / Fox / Neal / Benitez / Bump or Neu No only 6 in the BP.

 

Benitez and Fox are locks.

 

So it would be Benitez, Fox, Tejera, Neu, Neal. Then Bump, Phelps, Perisho or Wayne for the last spot.

[jonnylons]

I think Bump might need to be sent back down to get some seasoning. Perisho too, even though he has been pretty good. I think Wayne could get the spot, partially because Loria is a fan of his.

 

Got to agree with McKeon, it doesnt look like anyone wants the job right now. Guys are pushing too hard and dont look ready. I think now that McKeon ripped them, that is going to change though.

 

I especially want to see better from Benitez. I am worried about that guy right now.

[The Swede]

I don't think that Mckeon should rule out Bump because he has had a poor spring. Spring Training, just like all other preseasons, means absolutely nothing and cannot be used to predict how guys will play during the year. In spring, players are conditioning, getting back into the swing of things, and working on specific mechanics/pitches. Bump was effective last year, and one of the few relievers who consistently threw strikes. I think Mckeon has to focus more on past performance and overall ability and not take the "what have you done for me lately" attitude. Bump is a good pitcher. He has good command of a high 80's low 90's fastball and a major league quality curveball. He throws strikes and can get major league hitters out (I don't count career minor leaguers / prospects / half-interested major leaguers playing in spring training). Unlike Toby Borland and Perisho, Bump IS a major league pitcher who should be guarenteed a roster spot. I base all this on how he performed in the majors against major league hitters last year during the REGULAR season. The Marlins are sorely mistaken if they option him to the minors.

[QuickGold]

Good to see McKeon is keeping a tight ship.

[catchoftheday]

I don't think that Mckeon should rule out Bump because he has had a poor spring. Spring Training, just like all other preseasons, means absolutely nothing and cannot be used to predict how guys will play during the year. In spring, players are conditioning, getting back into the swing of things, and working on specific mechanics/pitches. Bump was effective last year, and one of the few relievers who consistently threw strikes. I think Mckeon has to focus more on past performance and overall ability and not take the "what have you done for me lately" attitude. Bump is a good pitcher. He has good command of a high 80's low 90's fastball and a major league quality curveball. He throws strikes and can get major league hitters out (I don't count career minor leaguers / prospects / half-interested major leaguers playing in spring training). Unlike Toby Borland and Perisho, Bump IS a major league pitcher who should be guarenteed a roster spot. I base all this on how he performed in the majors against major league hitters last year during the REGULAR season. The Marlins are sorely mistaken if they option him to the minors.

someone has a crush on Bump