August 4, 200322 yr What a job he has done lately! Lefty Tejera might offer relief in 'pen By Craig Barnes Staff Writer Posted August 4 2003 Left-hander Michael Tejera, an important member of the Marlins' staff last year, could be pitching his way back into the picture as a valuable reliever. Tejera hasn't allowed a run in his past three games, and he has been especially tough at home where he has a 0.45 ERA in his past 10 appearances. Tejera, who started 18 games last year and was 8-8 with a 4.45 ERA, is 1-0 with a 2.63 ERA, 20 strikeouts over his past 16 games. "I wanted to change the way my season was going," Tejera said. "I wanted to have a strong second half. I needed to be more consistent and keep the ball down. I think that I'm starting to find a groove." In Saturday night's 5-2 win over Houston, Tejera struck out pinch hitter Jeff Kent after the Astros had scored twice and put two runners on. Kent, a right-hander, had been hitting .393 against left-handers this season. "It was a critical point in the game," manager Jack McKeon said. "Kent is the type of hitter who could have tied up the game with one swing." This season, Tejera would rather see right-handed batters. Righties have batted only .226 against him, while lefties have hit .444. "That has been very upsetting," Tejera said. "I've had trouble with lefties all season. My pitches just haven't been good enough." With the Marlins looking to fill the sixth- and seventh-inning slots in the bullpen, right-hander Nate Bump and Tejera could give McKeon a nice combination. "He could be the missing piece to the puzzle," McKeon said. "He has certainly done the job lately." Link
August 4, 200322 yr Tejera seems to have found the secret to becoming a good bullpen pitcher. Could Almanza be next.... :mischief2 ?????
August 4, 200322 yr It's about time for him to step up. I had to put him in my signature a few weeks ago. But I seriously doubt that Almanza will get better, he's always been bad.
August 4, 200322 yr It's about time for him to step up. I had to put him in my signature a few weeks ago. But I seriously doubt that Almanza will get better, he's always been bad. True, but Almanza threw(Sp?)a pretty solid inning yesterday against the Astros... 1.0 IP 1 SO....no hits.... But...even bad pitchers have thier innings.
August 4, 200322 yr Author Could Almanza be next.... :mischief2 ????? I dont think so...he has had like 3 years to be next and he hasnt proved anything to us. Atleast Tejera was good last year in his rookie season.
August 4, 200322 yr Well....Strange things have happened in baseball. Such as Chuck Knoblauch's sudden inability to throw to 1st base. But that wasn't a miracle.
August 5, 200322 yr Why is Tejera now pitching so well, you ask? The new gotee... I like it! (in a hetrosexual way)
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.