I can't say for certain that Sal Licata was hassling Clay Holmes last season. I'd have to look it up.
Since I was the sole defender of Holmes in the entire Milky Way, I think this is an example of a man who believes, as did Emerson, that consistency is the hobgoglin of little minds:
“[Clay] Holmes was an All-Star last year,” Sal said. “Bullpens are fickle. How did Williams do in the postseason? I’ve seen this before with these relievers. They can be untouchable for one or two years, and then all of a sudden they get touched up.
“Holmes was a two-time All-Star with the Yankees…to me, that’s still a wash. Luke Weaver all of a sudden can’t get hit?”
...
“I don’t think that they did [get better],” Sal said. “I think it’s pretty much even.”
I actually agree with his conclusion.
The Yankees lost a good bullpen pitcher and added a slightly better bullpen pitcher.
Williams might pay off in the clutch. Or he might not. I wouldn't dare predict future playoff meltdowns because of one big-time meltdown vs. the Mets.
In the regular season, I expect Williams to be elite, and I expect one or two more wins due to an elite closer instead of a pretty good closer.
For the millionth time, it also depends of the defense, starting rotation, and offense.
If the defense improves around him ... and I have high hopes that it will ... then he won't have nearly as many blown saves where he doesn't allow an earned run.
So if I agree with Sal, then what's the gripe?
The gripe is that Public Enemy #1 Clay Holmes is quickly being re-imagined as a reliable All Star as soon as he puts on the Met uniform instead of the Yankee uniform.
It's the intellect of a toddler blaming its sibling for breaking the lamp.
No comments:
Post a Comment