I'll answer your question.  Ozzie is giving El Duque every chance to prove, now, that can be counted on to pitch 110-120 pitches.  If he is unable to do so, which has been the case so far, then that will be figured into the equation when determining who the 4th starter will be in the playoffs. 

 

I keep saying that Ozzie has long term goals in mind and keeps giving guys chances to prove what they can and cannot do.  When people scream because Ozzie leaves El Duque in for an inning more than they think he should, and say he doesn't know how to handle a pitching staff, they aren't looking at that big picture at all.

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How about a compromise which would seem to benefit everyone? Let El Duque make his remaining scheduled starts to keep him sharp and in the groove for the playoffs, but give him the hook after four or five innings, and trot McCarthy out to finish off each game.

 

Also, regarding Ozzie’s sarcastic remark about McCarthy being no Roger Clemens: there’s a dark side to his humor that can be very unattractive, especially when he’s dealing with younger players. He did something similar when he made a point of belittling Willie Harris’s talent during a Jackie Robinson appreciation-type event (last year?).

How about a compromise which would seem to benefit everyone?  Let El Duque make his remaining scheduled starts to keep him sharp and in the groove for the playoffs, but give him the hook after four or five innings, and trot McCarthy out to finish off each game.

 

Also, regarding Ozzie’s sarcastic remark about McCarthy being no Roger Clemens:  there’s a dark side to his humor that can be very unattractive, especially when he’s dealing with younger players.  He did something similar when he made a point of belittling Willie Harris’s talent during a Jackie Robinson appreciation-type event (last year?).

 

A compromise? From Ozzie? What have you been smoking?

I thought this was a Joe Borchard thread.........

 

I'm one of Joe's biggest rooters as well, but after those comments, he's gonna go a la what's-his-face who was traded to Montreal.............

Wouldn't a good title for the Southtown Article been "Borchard or Bust?"