So with the sudden discovery of a solid group of young arms for our bullpen, does anyone else wonder what could have been had we done this earlier in the season? I know many people are saying that they've been waiting to see Girardi get away from his Wellmeyer/Herges gameplan, but had we started using these rooks earlier do you think it could have made that great of a difference in our record? Or do you think that such moves could have been detrimental? I think its interesting question, because there are other intangibles that veterans bring to the table. There is no price tag for veteran leadership. I think these young guys have learned a lot, and personally I like Joe's decision not to rush these kids. I mean seriously... what exactly is the rush? Its not like we went into the season gunning for the penant. The entire team has progressed despite Joe making decisions what we as fans may not have agreed with. But I think we are now seeing the benefits of Joe's patience. Maybe there is a reason he is the manager of this team, and not us.

Actually, no. In answer to the first sentence question posited above...

 

Vargas needed to be sent down. Olsen needed to learn what his priorities were. Martinez was on the DL, Tankersley needed a couple of months to establish himself after a mediocre 2005, Kensing just needed to grow up.

 

In short, we are where we are. Enjoy.

 

And btw I agree with you Girardi was right not to rush the "kids" even though it was frustrating watching the alternative.

Girardi's game management skills, including the use of the bullpen has improved quite a bit. It sure helps that the young arms in the BP are really starting to perform. IMO both Messenger and Kensing are performing much better than expected. It's great to have Martinez back as his stuff is just nasty. Bringing up Tank gives Girardi a true lefty specialist....and he utilized him well today against Helton.

 

Borowski may be the closer for now. But I wouldn't be at all surprised to see one of the young arms take the role by the end of July.

Amazing.

 

 

A young rookie manager gets better as the year goes along in terms of game management.

 

 

What a shocking discovery.

Given that we were starting with a drastically different bullpen than last years, we needed some time while the roles were sorted out. Now that guys like Borowski, Herges, Kensing, and Messenger have established themselves in a certain role (in the case of Herges as little a role as possible), it's been much easier for the pen to come in and get things done. I don't think that with the complete overhaul and inexperience, we had the luxury of knowing which guys would fill which roles. Now there is an established order to everything.