Why is this man smiling?
Greg Jelks, the first-year Wild Things manager, was upset with his ballclub after a Memorial Day meltdown against Traverse City. Jelks said his team wasn't prepared to play and hinted that changes would be in store if the situation happens again.
If Jelks was angry after the 13-3 loss to the Beach Bums, how is he feeling today?
Washington followed the setback against Traverse City with two losses in a 15-hour span in Kalamazoo. During a lackluster 10-0 loss Tuesday night, Washington was one-hit by the Kings' Trent Lare. The Wild Things mustered only two baserunners all night, including just one after the first inning. Washington played much better Tuesday morning but some of the same old problems – too many walks by the starting pitcher, a lack of clutch hitting and inconsistent relief pitching - led to a 6-5 loss.
This leaves the Wild Things with a 1-6 record and its worst start in the franchise's seven seasons.
Yes, 1-6 is lousy. No one wanted or expected this kind of start, but it's not predictive of anything. The sky is not falling. The season is not over. Keep in mind that Washington was saddled with a 1-5 record during its inaugural season (2002) and ended up setting the league record for wins.
Is this a team that can rebound from a 1-6 start to be a playoff contender? Is this even a good team? We don't know. It's too early in the season to draw any definitive conclusions. It will take more than one week's worth of games to find out. There are, however, some things that must change. Washington entered Wednesday's game last in the Frontier League in runs scored, home runs, walks drawn and stolen bases. The Wild Things were next-to-last in ERA and quality starts.
The Wild Things' track record indicates that no major roster overhaul is in the works. The theory in Washington has been stick with the core group of players and add a couple of former college guys following Major League Baseball's first-year player draft (which will be held next week). After all, baseball is always about the long haul and patience is required. You don't blow up your roster after one week.
posted by Chris Dugan at
1:56 PM
5 Comments:
Starting pitching HAS to improve.
Role players HAVE to start driving in runs.
The bullpen, when they're given a lead, has to hold it.
If ANY of those had happened over the first week, Washington is at least 3-4, possibly 4-3.
No need to panic!
Perhaps if Jelks had not waited until the Things were behind 7-0 (twice) during the last home stand to make a pitching change, just perhaps the Things could have at least had a chance. Making a change after the game is already lost doesn't cut it!!
Doesn't cut it? You can't burn the bullpen in the first week and a half of the season. Sometimes, wheather you like it or not, a pitcher may have to wear it.
For all those people or so called fans that disliked Mazz and his staff, where are you now? He's gone and look what is going on. Hope you are happy now
amen
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