Jenks Article

[DBAHO]

For some reason, I never got the impression that Ozzie really liked using Marte out of the bullpen.  Of course, that's all changed in the last month, where he'd rather use Marte than Cotts (I have no clue why).

Yeah Marte's never performed to the same levels as he did under Jerry Manuel. I suppose, if Don Cooper's had one failure this year, it would be with Marte or Vizcaino. Don't get me wrong, Marte still has ok to good stats, he's just capable of so much more. Marte I'd say is getting used a lot more because he's closed games before, albeit not many and not very well. But Ozzie would rather go to him, then to give Cotts a go in that role, while Neal's been so godd in 6th, 7th, and 8th inning situations. Of course with the way Jenks has been pitching, they both shouldn't be needed in the 9th.

[DBAHO]

Marte is also only good vs righties, they are pretty much the same pitcher at this point.  With the emergence of Cotts, Jenks, we have major chips to bargain with.  No to mention possibly call ups of Baj, Tracey, etc we may be able to fill some of the gaps from within.

Yeah, which is really out of the norm for Damaso, probably because he can't throw his slider for strikes, and doesn't get that fastball on the low outside corner call all of the time.

 

It shows the need for a real good lefty LOOGY though. Baj, I think we'll prob see with another organization next year, I don't think he'll get the chance that he rightly deserves with the Sox, he'd already be pitching for a team like Tampa. Tracey's still a while away, and still long - term we don't know whether he's going to be a starter or a reliever.

 

KW usually does a good job in the off-season finding a guy for the pen who doesn't break the bank and does a good job for us, whether it'd be in a trade or a FA pick-up. I'm banking on him doing the same once again.

[fathom]

Marte's big problem now is that he can't throw his slider for a strike to a lefty in case he hangs it. The slider doesn't have near the tilt on it that it used to have, and is too often a roller. As for his fastball against lefties....lets just say that whenever the catcher sets up inside vs a lefty, he always comes close to hitting the batter. One of the reasons Marte is more effective against righties is that he can throw that same high, tailing fastball, and it will entice righties to swing at it instead of lefties having to dive away from it.

[southsideirish71]

Marte's big problem now is that he can't throw his slider for a strike to a lefty in case he hangs it.  The slider doesn't have near the tilt on it that it used to have, and is too often a roller.  As for his fastball against lefties....lets just say that whenever the catcher sets up inside vs a lefty, he always comes close to hitting the batter.  One of the reasons Marte is more effective against righties is that he can throw that same high, tailing fastball, and it will entice righties to swing at it instead of lefties having to dive away from it.

 

 

I wonder if when he broke Chavez hand last year if he had become gunshy on lefties.

 

His ball sails when he gets velocity on it. He can still rush the ball up there with good mph on it. But when he aims it he dips that velocity down to 91 and that is very hittable.

He is currently used as a lefty specialist and that is not or should not be his role.

 

I agree with everyone on this, after this season HE GONE

[santo=dorf]

I could see us dealing Politte in the offseason. Will his value ever be higher than it is right now?

[fathom]

I could see us dealing Politte in the offseason.  Will his value ever be higher than it is right now?

 

I was thinking that, but I have a feeling that Ozzie/KW like him too much. It would be interesting if a team tried to make him a closer. Personally, I'd like to see Viz get traded, as he'll be making a decent amount of money, and he doesn't seem as the type of guy who will maintain his stuff over time.

[Frank the Tank 35]

Politte actually has the stuff to dominate though. Hermanson is somebody I'd consider trading. He just throws sliders all the time. There's no way he duplicates his performance from this year next year. BJ Ryan (lefty fireball closer for Balt) will be a FA.... Chris Hammond is ancient, but he might be a good option as a change of pace as he throws slllllow. He's like almost 40 but is a crafty lefty and has been consistently good since coming back to the league in 2002 (converted starter). He'd be a cheap 1-year deal.

[Ozzie Montana]

Wagner wants a 3 year $24M deal with a full no - trade clause FWIW.

no trade clauses are a hassel

[RockRaines]

I was thinking that, but I have a feeling that Ozzie/KW like him too much.  It would be interesting if a team tried to make him a closer.  Personally, I'd like to see Viz get traded, as he'll be making a decent amount of money, and he doesn't seem as the type of guy who will maintain his stuff over time.

Viz is going to have a shut down year next year. Look at his career numbers, he is an every other year player.

[witesoxfan]

Yeah Marte's never performed to the same levels as he did under Jerry Manuel. I suppose, if Don Cooper's had one failure this year, it would be with Marte or Vizcaino. Don't get me wrong, Marte still has ok to good stats, he's just capable of so much more. Marte I'd say is getting used a lot more because he's closed games before, albeit not many and not very well. But Ozzie would rather go to him, then to give Cotts a go in that role, while Neal's been so godd in 6th, 7th, and 8th inning situations. Of course with the way Jenks has been pitching, they both shouldn't be needed in the 9th.

 

For starters, ERA is one of the most overrated stats for relievers.

 

Second of all...a 1.65 WHIP is OK to good?

 

Marte's been awful this year. He has to put 2 people on before he can get an out it seems.