Things are going really well with the Angels right now. They have the best record in baseball, and a hefty 15 game lead over the Rangers in the AL West. Basically, the last six weeks of the season will be nothing but preparation for the postseason.The only thing the team really has left to accomplish is Francisco Rodriguez's bid to break Bobby Thigpen's mark for most saves (57) in a season. Since everything is going so smoothly for the Halos, it doesn't give their fans much to complain about, and as we all know, fans always need something to complain about. It makes us feel important. So that's why some Angels fans are grumbling over Mike Scioscia's use of K-Rod, and saying that he's trying to pump up his save stats when he isn't needed.
"I find that to be questioning our integrity," Scioscia said, a hint of ire in his voice. "Everything we do is what's best for the team. If the closer is available, why wouldn't you use him if the situation dictates the game needs to be closed out? Why wouldn't you?
"If there's a save situation and Frankie is available, he's going to get the ball."
The most recent complaints stem from Scioscia bringing Rodriguez in with two outs in the 9th inning on Tuesday night. The Angels had a 7-3 lead over the Mariners with two runners on and Raul Ibanez at the plate, so Scioscia brought K-Rod in. Francisco struck him out on four pitches and racked up his 46th save.
Personally, I don't get what the hell Angels fans have to complain about. Shouldn't they want Rodriguez to break the record? I mean, I always thought supporting your team was what fans did. Scioscia has every right to bring him in when he pleases, and is actually doing the right thing by doing so.
Don't think that his players don't understand and appreciate what Mike is doing here. One of his players has a chance to break a record, and he wants to do everything in his power to help him do that. Besides, with the game on the line at the end, who would Angels fans rather have out there on the mound? Rodriguez gives the team the best chance to win, and he can break a record by doing so.
Seems like a win-win situation to me.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-15-2008 @ 6:02PM
Marc said...
I think Scoscia is one of the greatest managers Ive seen in my 30 plus years following baseball. His teams are always fundamentally sound, the team chemistry always seems solid, players seem to love playing for him and playing with each other.
No matter how talented they all buy into the team concept or are shown the door. From here they always play motivated, gritty and inspired ball.
Through it all his temperament is very laid back, understated and lets the players always have the focus in good times. He doesnt play drama out in public, but handles it off the field and away from the cameras.
Now all that said, I have always questioned his predictability and use of his pitching staff. By August or September of every season the stars of his bullpen have deadarm and start getting rocked. While they somewhat get it together by seasons end, he takes a mediocre bullpen into the playoffs every year. Sheilds, Frankie and Arredondo get the ball almost every night. 1 run lead or 4 run lead, the same guys always get the ball.
Every one of us has room to grow. The bullpen burnout of Scoscia teams is his lesson that hopefully he will get sooner than later.
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8-16-2008 @ 2:30PM
Cindy said...
Mike Scoscia knows alot more about how to use his pitchers then you do. Last time I checked he has used his bull pen in basicly the same way ever since he took over as manager. What as this gotten him well lets see multiple Western Division Title, a Wild Card, American League Championship and most importantly a WORLD SERIES RING.
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