August 5, 200323 yr They havent pitched that much Only Urbina, Loop, and Bumpo have pitched.... Rest of the bullpen sits, wonders, wins By Joe Capozzi, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Tuesday, August 5, 2003 Florida's success in the past month is creating friction in the bullpen, where three left-handed relievers would like manager Jack McKeon to use them more consistently. "It's tough to watch other guys pitch, but what can you do? It's tough to swallow but I've got to live with it,'' said Armando Almanza, who made his first appearance Sunday since July 25. Tommy Phelps hasn't pitched since July 25. Michael Tejera appeared July 27, July 29 and on Saturday. "He makes the decisions,'' Tejera said of McKeon. "There's nothing you can do about that. You just have to be ready for any time. It's better for the pitcher when you pitch more consistently because you get sharper. It's hard when you stay like five, six, seven days without pitching.'' McKeon is aware the trio hasn't been used much. But Florida has gone 7-2 since July 25, and 18-9 since July 1, largely by having right-handers Nate Bump, Ugueth Urbina and Braden Looper finish games. "When you get down to the eighth and ninth inning, you've got to go with the guys who are taking you to the dance, the guys who brought you here,'' McKeon said. "Now if somebody doesn't like it, too bad. Do you want me to bring in some guy that hasn't pitched in two or three weeks and blow the game? Nuh-uh. We're here to win.'' Almanza, Phelps and Tejera understand they're in a tough position. "The bottom line is we're winning. That's what we came here to do," Almanza said. Tejera couldn't criticize McKeon, either. "It seems like every decision and every move is paying off.'' Almanza pitched a perfect ninth Sunday after walking a batter on July 25. Before that, he allowed seven runs on July 20. "Guys struggle. They rot in the bullpen, then they get an opportunity,'' McKeon said. "But you got to try to stay sharp by throwing bullpens when you don't pitch. There's nothing you can do with that. You have to be ready every time.'' Link
August 5, 200323 yr You know, he seems to be trying to get them in now. He got Michael in during a high pressure situation and he came through, so he will now be used more out of the pen. You have to go with what works. And I'm sorry but Almanza has 0 right to talk.
August 5, 200323 yr "It's tough to watch other guys pitch, but what can you do? It's tough to swallow but I've got to live with it,'' said Armando Almanza, who made his first appearance Sunday since July 25.
August 5, 200323 yr and that got you upset? It didn't get me upset. Just he should know that he isn't pitching because he blows. He shouldn't have the right to talk to the media. In my minds hes currently playing for AAA.
August 5, 200323 yr They should realize that if they didn't suck so much, we would use them. ESPECIALLY ARMANDO "I SUCK" ALMANZA.
August 5, 200323 yr They should realize that if they didn't suck so much, we would use them. ESPECIALLY ARMANDO "I SUCK" ALMANZA. Oh come on. He is the most deplorable player on the team and Armando "I suck" Almanza is the best you can do?
August 5, 200323 yr Oh come on. He is the most deplorable player on the team and Armando "I suck" Almanza is the best you can do? Yeah, I get so angry at him that I can't think straight. :angry :angry :angry
August 5, 200323 yr Yeah, I get so angry at him that I can't think straight. :angry :angry :angry :lol
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