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Whipped puppy is a good way to put it, Moe. You don't like to see your closer looking so befuddled, and props to Danny for coming in to assert control again. If lefties continue to punish Rodney, he'd better adjust to keep the closer spot.
In the last three games, we were in control late, and two were lost by our best relievers. I'm finding myself resigned to losing these games, to where I don't yell at the TV anymore. I know there's a 50% chance one of our relievers will throw gasoline on any flame, so I am prepared mentally. Is there a JJ Putz in our system somewhere, a struggling starter we can convert to high heat blow em away closer? Maybe Maurer, if he knew how to put away lefties.
I would like to see Lloyd do a little closer by committee managing. Stop the by the book managing for a bit and ride the guy who's on a little longer, until things shake out better. Maybe Furbush should come in the ninth in a game like yesterday, if Rodney's struggling against lefties. Maybe Farquhar stick around for the ninth, because he's on. Thing is, we have three guys in our pen who have had success closing. It should not be cut and dried that Rodney closes, period. But...if the manager rides a Brad Miller or an Almonte far beyond reasonableness, when other options are available, I guess you have to be resigned to Rodney as closer, and only Rodney. Over the long haul, it could shake out as a winner. Rodney was closer for the last two seasons for a very good winning ballclub. But Lloyd is going to get weary of the act if it continues. You can't ignore the closer role like you can one of nine hitters in your lineup.