Can we stop with the excuses? He threw a ball at 102 last night. He is fine. He is an average reliever, who had a piss-poor outing last night.

 

While he's nothing great...he's also not as terrible as last night. No major league pitcher is, to be fair.

 

But he's no longer hurt...and if he is, I want to be hurt like him.

Good thing we didn't have him tonight, who knows what would have happpened!

Disgraceful. Scrubs like this ruin good pitchers' work. It's disheartening, to say the least.

 

Its the reason AJ Burnett wanted out, and now our young starters will now know that even if they work hard, the bullpen will let it go. I can see pitchers trying to leave as soon as possible as long as Loria is the owner. He is the worst owner in MLB period.

 

What a shame for Josh......and now he knows no matter how hard he works, it will be ruined by POS Lindstrom. This guy is worse than Gregg.

I'm sure he feels bad for Josh and I bet you he went out there and purposely blew the save just to spite JJ. You are the POS that doesn't know anything. If you understood the game you'd understand that stuff happens in baseball, people have baseball nights. In fact Mariano for the Yankees blew a save in Boston the same night (now for all of those who read way too much into these forums, I'm in no way comparing Mariano Riveria to Matt Lindstrom-relax)SH+T HAPPENS! Lindstrom gave up 7 runs in the top of the ninth something he's never done ever in his career. JJ is a big boy, he'll get over it-he understands baseball.

 

This guy is worse than Gregg. :whistle :lol

damn Pinto and Nunez didnt get there own = Kevin Gregg thread. Lindstrom must be special

Can we stop with the excuses? He threw a ball at 102 last night. He is fine. He is an average reliever, who had a piss-poor outing last night.

 

While he's nothing great...he's also not as terrible as last night. No major league pitcher is, to be fair.

 

But he's no longer hurt...and if he is, I want to be hurt like him.

 

I think the only thing that is hurt is his ego.

 

That was the worst outing he has ever had.

 

He is an average reliever... While he's nothing great... I will agree with you on this, however, I think he is only average and not great when he throws one pitch and until he changes that, yes, he will be average (so far this has been the case unfortunately). I think the thing that makes him average is his reliance on one pitch-the fastball. His makeup also makes him average because when he needed to throw a strike last night he was tenative and couldn't calm himself down. He needed to find the plate and couldn't. He fell behind every batter and his fastball was running inside, down, away, ect... and when Jason Werth hit the piss out of it he couldn't locate it anymore. Then when he'd fall behind in counts he would groove a fastball hoping the batter would roll it over or pop it out. His strike out looked good, but it was too late-then for no reason in the world he went away from it.

 

Honestly, IMO this "piss poor outing" as you called it (I agree it was) is going to benefit him in the long run. I think it had to happen. He has gotten away with throwing majority fastballs and always has relied on them. Last night taught him that MLB hitters can time 98, 93, 96 102 if it is constantly thrown up there. Now, if like you said he starts throwing split-changeups (it doesn't even have to be that good) to lefties and mixes in the sliders (even back to back to back to back) then and only then will he be an above average closer. You have stuck to your opinions a lot (I respect that) and so have I regarding Lindstrom. As the season continues I look for him to become better because of this outing and he will before the seasons end be an above average closer. Book it.

Can we stop with the excuses? He threw a ball at 102 last night. He is fine. He is an average reliever, who had a piss-poor outing last night.

 

While he's nothing great...he's also not as terrible as last night. No major league pitcher is, to be fair.

 

But he's no longer hurt...and if he is, I want to be hurt like him.

 

I think the only thing that is hurt is his ego.

 

That was the worst outing he has ever had.

 

He is an average reliever... While he's nothing great... I will agree with you on this, however, I think he is only average and not great when he throws one pitch and until he changes that, yes, he will be average (so far this has been the case unfortunately). I think the thing that makes him average is his reliance on one pitch-the fastball. His makeup also makes him average because when he needed to throw a strike last night he was tenative and couldn't calm himself down. He needed to find the plate and couldn't. He fell behind every batter and his fastball was running inside, down, away, ect... and when Jason Werth hit the piss out of it he couldn't locate it anymore. Then when he'd fall behind in counts he would groove a fastball hoping the batter would roll it over or pop it out. His strike out looked good, but it was too late-then for no reason in the world he went away from it.

 

Honestly, IMO this "piss poor outing" as you called it (I agree it was) is going to benefit him in the long run. I think it had to happen. He has gotten away with throwing majority fastballs and always has relied on them. Last night taught him that MLB hitters can time 98, 93, 96 102 if it is constantly thrown up there. Now, if like you said he starts throwing split-changeups (it doesn't even have to be that good) to lefties and mixes in the sliders (even back to back to back to back) then and only then will he be an above average closer. You have stuck to your opinions a lot (I respect that) and so have I regarding Lindstrom. As the season continues I look for him to become better because of this outing and he will before the seasons end be an above average closer. Book it.

 

 

There is something really odd going on in the 9th innings.

Not just with Lindstrom anymore.

Last night, Nunez came in & threw 6 consecutive fastballs to Werth...and then, apparently, they decided to throw 6 straight changeups to Ibanez.

The pitch selection has been horrible, and VERY predictable.

 

As I said, however, this has nothing to do with fatigue for Lindstrom anymore. He's clearly fine. Whether he puts it together or not remains to be seen. I think he will. I know I've been harsh on him, at times, b/c I disagree with those who think he can dominate, but at the same time...he doesn't suck either. His last outing sucked, and it was unlike him. 7 runs in 1 inning is probably something he'll never do again. It was a bad outing.

 

I just hope it doesn't become mental. You obviously know him better than me, so I'm sure you know where his confidence level is at. That's another thing I dislike. I, normally, don't say things like this, but usually most closers have a certain swagger about them. When Matt comes in, it's almost like he looks scared, at times. From his sweating on the mound to his absolutely red face when he was taken out the other night...I, honestly, felt bad. Whether you think I'm an asshole or not, this is the team I root for, and I know what Lindstrom was feeling from years of experience with my brother in the minors. It sucks.

 

As I said, I just hope he gains confidence.

 

Closer or not, I don't care. I, personally, like Leo Nunez more, but fact is...whether he's closing or setting up, this team needs Matt Lindstrom in the bullpen. There's no denying that.

Can we stop with the excuses? He threw a ball at 102 last night. He is fine. He is an average reliever, who had a piss-poor outing last night.

 

While he's nothing great...he's also not as terrible as last night. No major league pitcher is, to be fair.

 

But he's no longer hurt...and if he is, I want to be hurt like him.

 

I think the only thing that is hurt is his ego.

 

That was the worst outing he has ever had.

 

He is an average reliever... While he's nothing great... I will agree with you on this, however, I think he is only average and not great when he throws one pitch and until he changes that, yes, he will be average (so far this has been the case unfortunately). I think the thing that makes him average is his reliance on one pitch-the fastball. His makeup also makes him average because when he needed to throw a strike last night he was tenative and couldn't calm himself down. He needed to find the plate and couldn't. He fell behind every batter and his fastball was running inside, down, away, ect... and when Jason Werth hit the piss out of it he couldn't locate it anymore. Then when he'd fall behind in counts he would groove a fastball hoping the batter would roll it over or pop it out. His strike out looked good, but it was too late-then for no reason in the world he went away from it.

 

Honestly, IMO this "piss poor outing" as you called it (I agree it was) is going to benefit him in the long run. I think it had to happen. He has gotten away with throwing majority fastballs and always has relied on them. Last night taught him that MLB hitters can time 98, 93, 96 102 if it is constantly thrown up there. Now, if like you said he starts throwing split-changeups (it doesn't even have to be that good) to lefties and mixes in the sliders (even back to back to back to back) then and only then will he be an above average closer. You have stuck to your opinions a lot (I respect that) and so have I regarding Lindstrom. As the season continues I look for him to become better because of this outing and he will before the seasons end be an above average closer. Book it.

 

 

There is something really odd going on in the 9th innings.

Not just with Lindstrom anymore.

Last night, Nunez came in & threw 6 consecutive fastballs to Werth...and then, apparently, they decided to throw 6 straight changeups to Ibanez.

The pitch selection has been horrible, and VERY predictable.

 

As I said, however, this has nothing to do with fatigue for Lindstrom anymore. He's clearly fine. Whether he puts it together or not remains to be seen. I think he will. I know I've been harsh on him, at times, b/c I disagree with those who think he can dominate, but at the same time...he doesn't suck either. His last outing sucked, and it was unlike him. 7 runs in 1 inning is probably something he'll never do again. It was a bad outing.

 

I just hope it doesn't become mental. You obviously know him better than me, so I'm sure you know where his confidence level is at. That's another thing I dislike. I, normally, don't say things like this, but usually most closers have a certain swagger about them. When Matt comes in, it's almost like he looks scared, at times. From his sweating on the mound to his absolutely red face when he was taken out the other night...I, honestly, felt bad. Whether you think I'm an asshole or not, this is the team I root for, and I know what Lindstrom was feeling from years of experience with my brother in the minors. It sucks.

 

As I said, I just hope he gains confidence.

 

Closer or not, I don't care. I, personally, like Leo Nunez more, but fact is...whether he's closing or setting up, this team needs Matt Lindstrom in the bullpen. There's no denying that.

 

This is also the team I root for. I could care less if Leo Nunez or Matt Lindstrom pitched in the 9th so long as those two were getting the job done. I don't think you are an A-hole. I think you have an opinion and you defend what you think is right. That is what happens on this board. I really can't tolerate those (your not included) who have a myopic outlook regarding players or our current losing streak. There are 144 games left and anything can happen. This losing streak won't last much longer.

 

Like I mentioned before and I like what Freddi has currently said. If Matt doesn't experience what the 9th feels like in that situation with all of the fans screaming and his adrenaline going with the pressure to perform well, how will he ever know what he is suppose to do night in and night out? I think that butt kicking he experienced on Friday night was more valuable than the saves he has currently gotten. He now has to pitch, instead of just throwing. In the next outing I am 100% certain that fans will see back to back offspeed of some sort. And you are right the pitch selection has been dreadful in the 9th inning lately.

 

Oh and for the record, you are right he isn't hurt any longer. Now it's a matter of keeping the adrenaline in check and making a pitch IMO and yes he needs more of a swagger. Regardless I'd just like to see the bullpen start pulling it together like they did at the first of the season.

Can we stop with the excuses? He threw a ball at 102 last night. He is fine. He is an average reliever, who had a piss-poor outing last night.

 

While he's nothing great...he's also not as terrible as last night. No major league pitcher is, to be fair.

 

But he's no longer hurt...and if he is, I want to be hurt like him.

 

I think the only thing that is hurt is his ego.

 

That was the worst outing he has ever had.

 

He is an average reliever... While he's nothing great... I will agree with you on this, however, I think he is only average and not great when he throws one pitch and until he changes that, yes, he will be average (so far this has been the case unfortunately). I think the thing that makes him average is his reliance on one pitch-the fastball. His makeup also makes him average because when he needed to throw a strike last night he was tenative and couldn't calm himself down. He needed to find the plate and couldn't. He fell behind every batter and his fastball was running inside, down, away, ect... and when Jason Werth hit the piss out of it he couldn't locate it anymore. Then when he'd fall behind in counts he would groove a fastball hoping the batter would roll it over or pop it out. His strike out looked good, but it was too late-then for no reason in the world he went away from it.

 

Honestly, IMO this "piss poor outing" as you called it (I agree it was) is going to benefit him in the long run. I think it had to happen. He has gotten away with throwing majority fastballs and always has relied on them. Last night taught him that MLB hitters can time 98, 93, 96 102 if it is constantly thrown up there. Now, if like you said he starts throwing split-changeups (it doesn't even have to be that good) to lefties and mixes in the sliders (even back to back to back to back) then and only then will he be an above average closer. You have stuck to your opinions a lot (I respect that) and so have I regarding Lindstrom. As the season continues I look for him to become better because of this outing and he will before the seasons end be an above average closer. Book it.

 

 

There is something really odd going on in the 9th innings.

Not just with Lindstrom anymore.

Last night, Nunez came in & threw 6 consecutive fastballs to Werth...and then, apparently, they decided to throw 6 straight changeups to Ibanez.

The pitch selection has been horrible, and VERY predictable.

 

As I said, however, this has nothing to do with fatigue for Lindstrom anymore. He's clearly fine. Whether he puts it together or not remains to be seen. I think he will. I know I've been harsh on him, at times, b/c I disagree with those who think he can dominate, but at the same time...he doesn't suck either. His last outing sucked, and it was unlike him. 7 runs in 1 inning is probably something he'll never do again. It was a bad outing.

 

I just hope it doesn't become mental. You obviously know him better than me, so I'm sure you know where his confidence level is at. That's another thing I dislike. I, normally, don't say things like this, but usually most closers have a certain swagger about them. When Matt comes in, it's almost like he looks scared, at times. From his sweating on the mound to his absolutely red face when he was taken out the other night...I, honestly, felt bad. Whether you think I'm an asshole or not, this is the team I root for, and I know what Lindstrom was feeling from years of experience with my brother in the minors. It sucks.

 

As I said, I just hope he gains confidence.

 

Closer or not, I don't care. I, personally, like Leo Nunez more, but fact is...whether he's closing or setting up, this team needs Matt Lindstrom in the bullpen. There's no denying that.

 

This is also the team I root for. I could care less if Leo Nunez or Matt Lindstrom pitched in the 9th so long as those two were getting the job done. I don't think you are an A-hole. I think you have an opinion and you defend what you think is right. That is what happens on this board. I really can't tolerate those (your not included) who have a myopic outlook regarding players or our current losing streak. There are 144 games left and anything can happen. This losing streak won't last much longer.

 

Like I mentioned before and I like what Freddi has currently said. If Matt doesn't experience what the 9th feels like in that situation with all of the fans screaming and his adrenaline going with the pressure to perform well, how will he ever know what he is suppose to do night in and night out? I think that butt kicking he experienced on Friday night was more valuable than the saves he has currently gotten. He now has to pitch, instead of just throwing. In the next outing I am 100% certain that fans will see back to back offspeed of some sort. And you are right the pitch selection has been dreadful in the 9th inning lately.

 

Oh and for the record, you are right he isn't hurt any longer. Now it's a matter of keeping the adrenaline in check and making a pitch IMO and yes he needs more of a swagger. Regardless I'd just like to see the bullpen start pulling it together like they did at the first of the season.

 

 

To be honest, Lindstrom, Nunez, and Kiko don't worry me. Nothing stellar, imo, but good enough. The rest of the pen is what's worrisome. We could use another arm or 2 out there.

I agree with Erick.

 

Nunez, Callero and a healthy Lindstrom are fine but we need another 2 or 3 CONSISTANT relivers that are not named Cody Ross.

After his perfromance Baddenhop will probably have a spot in the pen and spot starter down the road.

 

Meyer has also done pretty decent.

 

My conerns are Hayden Penn finishing innings then Pinto's control and now i don't need to worroy about Blogan.

And we could use Taylor in the pen when Miller comes back up or if Hopper gets the 5th starter role.

 

Another Wildcard here is Scott Proctor and wheather he can come back and be efficiant in the pen for us but sadly that wont' be til mid to late may.

 

My biggest concern is still closing out games for the next few weeks as Lindstrom is not able to pitch back to back games so who would close games out?

My best guess would to be keeping Leo as the setup man and put Calero in the closer role every game after Lindstrom pitches.

 

If the pen continues its struggles i wouldn't be suprised to see Tankersley and Tucker get the call along with guys like Carlos Martinez and Chris Leroux.

 

The real deal though is that with starters 1-4 they all have the potential to pitch 5-7 quality innings easily and either keep us close or give us the lead leaving it up to the bullpen to finish it off.

 

Lets just all pray we get it together and take 2 outta 3 from the muts and then go to Jeremy Hermida's favorite ballpark in Wrigly Field to take 2 from the Cubs

I agree with Erick.

 

Nunez, Callero and a healthy Lindstrom are fine but we need another 2 or 3 CONSISTANT relivers that are not named Cody Ross.

After his perfromance Baddenhop will probably have a spot in the pen and spot starter down the road.

 

Meyer has also done pretty decent.

 

My conerns are Hayden Penn finishing innings then Pinto's control and now i don't need to worroy about Blogan.

And we could use Taylor in the pen when Miller comes back up or if Hopper gets the 5th starter role.

 

Another Wildcard here is Scott Proctor and wheather he can come back and be efficiant in the pen for us but sadly that wont' be til mid to late may.

 

My biggest concern is still closing out games for the next few weeks as Lindstrom is not able to pitch back to back games so who would close games out?

My best guess would to be keeping Leo as the setup man and put Calero in the closer role every game after Lindstrom pitches.

 

If the pen continues its struggles i wouldn't be suprised to see Tankersley and Tucker get the call along with guys like Carlos Martinez and Chris Leroux.

 

The real deal though is that with starters 1-4 they all have the potential to pitch 5-7 quality innings easily and either keep us close or give us the lead leaving it up to the bullpen to finish it off.

 

Lets just all pray we get it together and take 2 outta 3 from the muts and then go to Jeremy Hermida's favorite ballpark in Wrigly Field to take 2 from the Cubs

 

Lindstrom is capable of pitching back to back days. He's already done so. He wasn't used Saturday b/c his bad outing Friday was a near 40 pitch outing.

 

Also, don't expect to see Taylor Tankersley anytime soon. (unfortunately)