February 27, 200521 yr Former closer Antonio Alfonseca willingly gives pointers to new Marlins closer Guillermo Mota. Foremost, Mota needs to be centered on the game. No more gazing into the stands or letting his mind drift. "The closer has to focus on the game," Alfonseca said. "Guys can't look at the fans. You have to focus on the game." Signed as a free agent in the offseason, Alfonseca projects to be the setup eighth-inning reliever. A year ago, the right-hander was with the Braves, where he closely observed John Smoltz's approach to closing. "A guy like Smoltz, when the game started, he was focused," Alfonseca said. "There were times I wanted to talk to him, but I was almost scared. It's like 'No, don't go close to him.'" Alfonseca watched the way Smoltz would study how the starters pitched to the opposing lineup, paying attention to how the batters were being pitched. Alfonseca says Mota can adjust to the role. "I'm happy for him," Alfonseca said. "It's the first time he's been a closer in the big leagues. That's OK for him. For me, I was a closer a couple of years ago." Should Mota struggle, Alfonseca could see time closing again.
February 27, 200521 yr Mota concentrates enough on the game, there's nothing wrong with checking out some fans...I think Alfonseca should close though. Alfonseca has experience at closing, that scary presense, and that fast heat that is very effective when it's only used for an inning. But if Mota can pitch in the 8th, will it make such a difference if he pitches in the 9th instead? I don't think so...
February 27, 200521 yr It's not like Mota hasn't setup (and observed) a premier closer before....He'll be fine on his own.
February 27, 200521 yr It's only good for Mota that he has two veteran closers (alf and jones) in the pen to give advice when needed.
February 27, 200521 yr Author It's only good for Mota that he has two veteran closers (alf and jones) in the pen to give advice when needed. 696395[/snapback] Not to mention the fact that he has been setting up for arguably one of the greatest cloers of all time and probably picked up a lot of tips and advice along the way.
February 27, 200521 yr What is particularly nice to see is Alfonseca's attitude....his willingness to help Mota when he could be considered in competition for the closer's role. Alfonseca is demonstrating that teamwork comes ahead of personal goals, and that will go a long way to solidify our bullpen.
February 27, 200521 yr Mota is recieving great advice from great closers. I think its ok to gaze at the fans a bit, as long as he doesnt forget what hes doing. If hes not able to do it, he has 2 great pitchers to back him up.
February 27, 200521 yr It's only good for Mota that he has two veteran closers (alf and jones) in the pen to give advice when needed. 696395[/snapback] Not to mention the fact that he has been setting up for arguably one of the greatest cloers of all time and probably picked up a lot of tips and advice along the way. 696403[/snapback] Let's be honest now, he wasn't setting up for Armando that long.
February 27, 200521 yr Author It's only good for Mota that he has two veteran closers (alf and jones) in the pen to give advice when needed. 696395[/snapback] Not to mention the fact that he has been setting up for arguably one of the greatest cloers of all time and probably picked up a lot of tips and advice along the way. 696403[/snapback] Let's be honest now, he wasn't setting up for Armando that long. 696552[/snapback] :lol
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