farmer_fran Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 Notes: Koch easing into role By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com Jack McKeon wants to use Billy Koch to bridge the gap to Armando Benitez. (Alan Diaz/AP) MIAMI -- The grooming period for Billy Koch to become the Marlins' primary setup man is just about over. With the All-Star break approaching, manager Jack McKeon said that the team is on course to making the right-hander the first choice to bridge the gap to closer Armando Benitez. Obtained from the White Sox on June 17 for minor league infielder Wilson Valdez, Koch has not been in many pressure situations. In his last few weeks in Chicago, he was used sparingly, and his command wasn't sharp. So rather than rush Koch into the top setup role, the Marlins eased him along. He's worked with pitching coach Wayne Rosenthal on refining his mechanics. "When he came over from the White Sox, he hadn't really pitched that much," said McKeon. "The last two times out, he's pitched pretty effectively. When we come into the second half, if he can be the setup guy the way we want, he can be a tremendous boost for us." Since Chad Fox went on the disabled list in late April, the Marlins have been searching for a reliable help in the back of the bullpen. Seven pitchers have been called up from Triple-A Albuquerque to help fill the void. Of late, the animated, 36-year-old Josias Manzanillo has secured the top setup role. But "Manzy," as McKeon calls him, gave up four runs in the eighth inning on Friday in the 6-3 loss to the Mets. In 10 games, Manzanillo is 1-2 with a 4.40 ERA. He was effective early on, but hasn't been as sharp of late. Koch has a proven track record, stemming back to when he was the closer for the A's. McKeon is hopeful that Koch can offer a lift similar to the one Fox provided when he joined the team during the season last year. Conine back in lineup: After three days off, Jeff Conine started in left field on Saturday and hit fifth in the lineup. With three hits in his last 29 at-bats, Conine was given a breather, sitting to make room for Double-A call-up Josh Willingham. Willingham is 2-for-8 in his brief big league career. McKeon is hopeful that the rest will get Conine out of his slump. The 38-year-old is six for his last 46 (.130) with runners in scoring position. "He's had his days off," said McKeon. "We'll go with the guys we were supposed to start originally." McKeon likes the little he has seen of Willingham, and there is a chance Willingham could start on Sunday against Mets lefty Al Leiter. One possibility is giving him a start at first base. Willingham can play catcher, first base and left field. "He's an aggressive guy," said McKeon. "We're trying to find a position for him." Choi's historic homer: On Friday, Hee Seop Choi connected on a two-run homer off his former high school teammate, Jae Seo. Seo was two grades ahead of Choi at Kwang-Ju Jae High School in South Korea. Choi said that he hadn't had a chance to talk with Seo as of Saturday. The two speak on occasion during the season, and are friends. The home run came at about 8:30 a.m. Korean time. It is believed that approximately 10 million people in Korea were watching the game on television. McKeon praises Looper: Former Marlin Braden Looper racked up his 18th save on Friday. McKeon is impressed at the solid season his former closer is enjoying with the Mets. "He's using more pitches and not just using a fastball," said McKeon. "He's using more changeups and sliders. We'd liked to have kept him." The Marlins opted instead to sign Benitez, an All-Star with 28 saves. A year ago the Marlins were fortunate to be able to acquire closer Ugueth Urbina for the second half of the season. Urbina accepted a setup role for Looper, and eventually took over the job in September and the playoffs. "It was a blessing," said McKeon. "When Loop was in a rut, Urbina picked him up. And if Urbina was in a rut, Loop picked him up." Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. A thought there were a couple interesting notes. I thought I'd share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skully Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 I think we'll see Willingham back in left field tomorrow. Niner showed that he's still in a slump and Choi hit Glavine well today, proving he can hit lefties.....At least for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBMarlin Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 I think we'll see Willingham back in left field tomorrow. Niner showed that he's still in a slump and Choi hit Glavine well today, proving he can hit lefties.....At least for now. 451786[/snapback] Choi is now hitting .240 against lefties......better than Pierre's .225. :shifty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer_fran Posted July 11, 2004 Author Share Posted July 11, 2004 I think we'll see Willingham back in left field tomorrow. Niner showed that he's still in a slump and Choi hit Glavine well today, proving he can? hit lefties.....At least for now. 451786[/snapback] Choi is now hitting .240 against lefties......better than Pierre's .225. :shifty 451812[/snapback] Willingham for CF!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CapeFish Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 I think we'll see Willingham back in left field tomorrow. Niner showed that he's still in a slump and Choi hit Glavine well today, proving he can? hit lefties.....At least for now. 451786[/snapback] Choi is now hitting .240 against lefties......better than Pierre's .225. :shifty 451812[/snapback] Willingham for CF!! 451817[/snapback] No...he can barely handle LF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer_fran Posted July 11, 2004 Author Share Posted July 11, 2004 I think we'll see Willingham back in left field tomorrow. Niner showed that he's still in a slump and Choi hit Glavine well today, proving he can? hit lefties.....At least for now. 451786[/snapback] Choi is now hitting .240 against lefties......better than Pierre's .225. :shifty 451812[/snapback] Willingham for CF!! 451817[/snapback] No...he can barely handle LF. 451819[/snapback] I was joking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TealMonster Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 Willingham should not start at 1B tomorrow, theres no reason to sit choi. put Willingham in LF and sit conine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bman8316 Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 I dont want to see Choi on the bench today he proved that he isnt lost against lefties, he picked up 2 hits off of an all star leftie and that should prove his point to Mckeon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBMarlin Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 Back to topic. Koch has shown improvement in his last few outings. Koch was warming up tonight in the 7th, and it looked like Jack was getting ready to bring him in....but opted for Howard instead. Jack brought Benitez out in the 8th (a move I liked) and passed by Koch again.......so clearly Jack does not yet have the confidence in Koch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer_fran Posted July 11, 2004 Author Share Posted July 11, 2004 I'd like to see Willingham at catcher tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishywishy Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 Willingham in LF, Choi in first. Both are the best options we have right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TealMonster Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 Koch is the guy to go to in the 8th, not mando, and not overratedmanzy. why jack goes with mando for 2 innings while koch is there i dont know :thumbdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishywishy Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 Koch is the guy to go to in the 8th, not mando, and not overratedmanzy. why jack goes with mando for 2 innings while koch is there i dont know :thumbdown 451895[/snapback] Armando asked to. He needed the work anyway. I still don't trust Koch in a tight game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBMarlin Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 Koch is the guy to go to in the 8th, not mando, and not overratedmanzy. why jack goes with mando for 2 innings while koch is there i dont know :thumbdown 451895[/snapback] The team needed the W tonight. Benitez hasn't been used much for the past month and is well rested. The BP can't be counted on to hold a 2 run lead. The AS break is coming up after tomorrow. It's difficult to come with a reason not to put Benitez in there for two innings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calvinball Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 Willingham in LF, Choi in first. Both are the best options we have right now. 451894[/snapback] Agreed. If we were to aquire another LF, then we could give Willingham a look behind the plate or at 1B. Right now, I believe he should stay in LF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotcorner Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 Koch is the guy to go to in the 8th, not mando, and not overratedmanzy. why jack goes with mando for 2 innings while koch is there i dont know :thumbdown 451895[/snapback] man you're awfully confident in Koch for not having proven anything yet... this team needed a win & couldn't afford another let down right now. that's why mando was in for 2 innings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuickGold Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 I really hope Koch can turn it around and be more consistent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flamarlins3 Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 I think Koch can turn into that person but not yet...give him the all star break, give him a few more mop up type appearances and make sure he is ready for that 8th inning set up. I think he will be a big part of the second half bullpen, but its all a matter if he can throw strikes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ice Man Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 i say we let him and conine battle for LF... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rferry Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 I don't care how Koch pitches. The dude has a Marlin tattooed on his leg! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geemoney Posted July 11, 2004 Share Posted July 11, 2004 It looks like Koch has gotten more comfortable. We brought him here to be a set-up man, and hopefully he'll flourish in that role. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.