What needs fixing?

[hugeCardfan]

OK, injuries hurt. Losing the guy who was leading us with HR's didn't help. Starting a road trip with a team (Mets) that is virtually hitting on all cylinders in the pitching ranks at their park hasn't helped either. Having Fernandez and King in our bullpen isn't working either.

So what has gone wrong? One: we went to a six man rotation. Seems like an OK idea if we hadn't taken resources from the pen. We did take them away and are learning that it doesn't work.

Who are the starters? Sonny, Fedde, Pallante, Mikolas, Matz and Liberatore.

What's wrong with that picture other than the fact that we stole both Liberatore and Matz from the pen where they were very effective. That might be fine, if we had backfill. News flash! We don't.

So, we need 5 starters. That suggests that Matz or Liberatore needs to return to the pen. Since we'll need him as a starter next year, I suggest we keep Libby in the rotation. Matz reverts to a long closer. If he can put a 3 or 4 inning finishing touch on a game each week, that means we give the rest of the bullpen a nite off. What a concept!

We could use one of those. But, if we ditch the two ineffectives, King and Fernandez, we still need another reliever. Some suggest McGreevy and others Roby. I'd bring McGreevy up to start and put Mikolas in the long role. McGreevy auditions for 2026 and Mikolas waves goodbye next year. Can Mikolas adapt to bullpen? I dunno. But, he can't be any worse than K and F. I don't like the idea of putting Roby in the pen, but there is an argument that he might be more durable there.

I would prefer to use LIbby and McGreevy in the rotation. Maybe it wouldn't be a strong point this year, but a good investment to the future. Using Mikolas and Matz as long relievers can give relief for the remainder of the pen and we don't have any plans for them in '26.

If we don't overuse Leary, Romero, Maton and Helsley (and Svanson?) they should be an effective bullpen and actually help us in the tight games.

Consider.

[Shady]

OK, injuries hurt. Losing the guy who was leading us with HR's didn't help. Starting a road trip with a team (Mets) that is virtually hitting on all cylinders in the pitching ranks at their park hasn't helped either. Having Fernandez and King in our bullpen isn't working either.

So what has gone wrong? One: we went to a six man rotation. Seems like an OK idea if we hadn't taken resources from the pen. We did take them away and are learning that it doesn't work.

Who are the starters? Sonny, Fedde, Pallante, Mikolas, Matz and Liberatore.

What's wrong with that picture other than the fact that we stole both Liberatore and Matz from the pen where they were very effective. That might be fine, if we had backfill. News flash! We don't.

So, we need 5 starters. That suggests that Matz or Liberatore needs to return to the pen. Since we'll need him as a starter next year, I suggest we keep Libby in the rotation. Matz reverts to a long closer. If he can put a 3 or 4 inning finishing touch on a game each week, that means we give the rest of the bullpen a nite off. What a concept!

We could use one of those. But, if we ditch the two ineffectives, King and Fernandez, we still need another reliever. Some suggest McGreevy and others Roby. I'd bring McGreevy up to start and put Mikolas in the long role. McGreevy auditions for 2026 and Mikolas waves goodbye next year. Can Mikolas adapt to bullpen? I dunno. But, he can't be any worse than K and F. I don't like the idea of putting Roby in the pen, but there is an argument that he might be more durable there.

I would prefer to use LIbby and McGreevy in the rotation. Maybe it wouldn't be a strong point this year, but a good investment to the future. Using Mikolas and Matz as long relievers can give relief for the remainder of the pen and we don't have any plans for them in '26.

If we don't overuse Leary, Romero, Maton and Helsley (and Svanson?) they should be an effective bullpen and actually help us in the tight games.

Consider.

Get Contreras', Walker's, Gorman's and Burleson's hitting going like Saggese' is, right now. And it could happen.

[hugeCardfan]

OK, injuries hurt. Losing the guy who was leading us with HR's didn't help. Starting a road trip with a team (Mets) that is virtually hitting on all cylinders in the pitching ranks at their park hasn't helped either. Having Fernandez and King in our bullpen isn't working either.

So what has gone wrong? One: we went to a six man rotation. Seems like an OK idea if we hadn't taken resources from the pen. We did take them away and are learning that it doesn't work.

Who are the starters? Sonny, Fedde, Pallante, Mikolas, Matz and Liberatore.

What's wrong with that picture other than the fact that we stole both Liberatore and Matz from the pen where they were very effective. That might be fine, if we had backfill. News flash! We don't.

So, we need 5 starters. That suggests that Matz or Liberatore needs to return to the pen. Since we'll need him as a starter next year, I suggest we keep Libby in the rotation. Matz reverts to a long closer. If he can put a 3 or 4 inning finishing touch on a game each week, that means we give the rest of the bullpen a nite off. What a concept!

We could use one of those. But, if we ditch the two ineffectives, King and Fernandez, we still need another reliever. Some suggest McGreevy and others Roby. I'd bring McGreevy up to start and put Mikolas in the long role. McGreevy auditions for 2026 and Mikolas waves goodbye next year. Can Mikolas adapt to bullpen? I dunno. But, he can't be any worse than K and F. I don't like the idea of putting Roby in the pen, but there is an argument that he might be more durable there.

I would prefer to use LIbby and McGreevy in the rotation. Maybe it wouldn't be a strong point this year, but a good investment to the future. Using Mikolas and Matz as long relievers can give relief for the remainder of the pen and we don't have any plans for them in '26.

If we don't overuse Leary, Romero, Maton and Helsley (and Svanson?) they should be an effective bullpen and actually help us in the tight games.

Consider.

Get Contreras', Walker's, Gorman's and Burleson's hitting going like Saggese' is, right now. And it could happen.

That's a happy outcome, not a directed solution.

I happen to think that if we can resolve the pitching deficiency, the position players think we have a better chance to win and perform accordingly.

[imadangman]

OK, injuries hurt. Losing the guy who was leading us with HR's didn't help. Starting a road trip with a team (Mets) that is virtually hitting on all cylinders in the pitching ranks at their park hasn't helped either. Having Fernandez and King in our bullpen isn't working either.

So what has gone wrong? One: we went to a six man rotation. Seems like an OK idea if we hadn't taken resources from the pen. We did take them away and are learning that it doesn't work.

Who are the starters? Sonny, Fedde, Pallante, Mikolas, Matz and Liberatore.

What's wrong with that picture other than the fact that we stole both Liberatore and Matz from the pen where they were very effective. That might be fine, if we had backfill. News flash! We don't.

So, we need 5 starters. That suggests that Matz or Liberatore needs to return to the pen. Since we'll need him as a starter next year, I suggest we keep Libby in the rotation. Matz reverts to a long closer. If he can put a 3 or 4 inning finishing touch on a game each week, that means we give the rest of the bullpen a nite off. What a concept!

We could use one of those. But, if we ditch the two ineffectives, King and Fernandez, we still need another reliever. Some suggest McGreevy and others Roby. I'd bring McGreevy up to start and put Mikolas in the long role. McGreevy auditions for 2026 and Mikolas waves goodbye next year. Can Mikolas adapt to bullpen? I dunno. But, he can't be any worse than K and F. I don't like the idea of putting Roby in the pen, but there is an argument that he might be more durable there.

I would prefer to use LIbby and McGreevy in the rotation. Maybe it wouldn't be a strong point this year, but a good investment to the future. Using Mikolas and Matz as long relievers can give relief for the remainder of the pen and we don't have any plans for them in '26.

If we don't overuse Leary, Romero, Maton and Helsley (and Svanson?) they should be an effective bullpen and actually help us in the tight games.

Consider.

Get Contreras', Walker's, Gorman's and Burleson's hitting going like Saggese' is, right now. And it could happen.

That's a happy outcome, not a directed solution.

I happen to think that if we can resolve the pitching deficiency, the position players think we have a better chance to win and perform accordingly.

I think when we get Herrera back he can lead the way with power and then hopefully Contreras and Walker etc can get comfortable behind him. With our lineup in full health, the offense is not deficient as a whole. There's speed, contact, obp, all there.

[hugeCardfan]

OK, injuries hurt. Losing the guy who was leading us with HR's didn't help. Starting a road trip with a team (Mets) that is virtually hitting on all cylinders in the pitching ranks at their park hasn't helped either. Having Fernandez and King in our bullpen isn't working either.

So what has gone wrong? One: we went to a six man rotation. Seems like an OK idea if we hadn't taken resources from the pen. We did take them away and are learning that it doesn't work.

Who are the starters? Sonny, Fedde, Pallante, Mikolas, Matz and Liberatore.

What's wrong with that picture other than the fact that we stole both Liberatore and Matz from the pen where they were very effective. That might be fine, if we had backfill. News flash! We don't.

So, we need 5 starters. That suggests that Matz or Liberatore needs to return to the pen. Since we'll need him as a starter next year, I suggest we keep Libby in the rotation. Matz reverts to a long closer. If he can put a 3 or 4 inning finishing touch on a game each week, that means we give the rest of the bullpen a nite off. What a concept!

We could use one of those. But, if we ditch the two ineffectives, King and Fernandez, we still need another reliever. Some suggest McGreevy and others Roby. I'd bring McGreevy up to start and put Mikolas in the long role. McGreevy auditions for 2026 and Mikolas waves goodbye next year. Can Mikolas adapt to bullpen? I dunno. But, he can't be any worse than K and F. I don't like the idea of putting Roby in the pen, but there is an argument that he might be more durable there.

I would prefer to use LIbby and McGreevy in the rotation. Maybe it wouldn't be a strong point this year, but a good investment to the future. Using Mikolas and Matz as long relievers can give relief for the remainder of the pen and we don't have any plans for them in '26.

If we don't overuse Leary, Romero, Maton and Helsley (and Svanson?) they should be an effective bullpen and actually help us in the tight games.

Consider.

Get Contreras', Walker's, Gorman's and Burleson's hitting going like Saggese' is, right now. And it could happen.

That's a happy outcome, not a directed solution.

I happen to think that if we can resolve the pitching deficiency, the position players think we have a better chance to win and perform accordingly.

I think when we get Herrera back he can lead the way with power and then hopefully Contreras and Walker etc can get comfortable behind him. With our lineup in full health, the offense is not deficient as a whole. There's speed, contact, obp, all there.

I agree. Do you agree that the problem is the pitching, specifically bullpen?

[swatski]

I just know one thing, this team is not close contending in 2025. Which means every decision the front office makes with regard to playing time should be made with the future in mind.

[The Nard]

Relief pitchers, about 3.

Do not take out a starter after 5 innings, who’s cruising.

[imadangman]

OK, injuries hurt. Losing the guy who was leading us with HR's didn't help. Starting a road trip with a team (Mets) that is virtually hitting on all cylinders in the pitching ranks at their park hasn't helped either. Having Fernandez and King in our bullpen isn't working either.

So what has gone wrong? One: we went to a six man rotation. Seems like an OK idea if we hadn't taken resources from the pen. We did take them away and are learning that it doesn't work.

Who are the starters? Sonny, Fedde, Pallante, Mikolas, Matz and Liberatore.

What's wrong with that picture other than the fact that we stole both Liberatore and Matz from the pen where they were very effective. That might be fine, if we had backfill. News flash! We don't.

So, we need 5 starters. That suggests that Matz or Liberatore needs to return to the pen. Since we'll need him as a starter next year, I suggest we keep Libby in the rotation. Matz reverts to a long closer. If he can put a 3 or 4 inning finishing touch on a game each week, that means we give the rest of the bullpen a nite off. What a concept!

We could use one of those. But, if we ditch the two ineffectives, King and Fernandez, we still need another reliever. Some suggest McGreevy and others Roby. I'd bring McGreevy up to start and put Mikolas in the long role. McGreevy auditions for 2026 and Mikolas waves goodbye next year. Can Mikolas adapt to bullpen? I dunno. But, he can't be any worse than K and F. I don't like the idea of putting Roby in the pen, but there is an argument that he might be more durable there.

I would prefer to use LIbby and McGreevy in the rotation. Maybe it wouldn't be a strong point this year, but a good investment to the future. Using Mikolas and Matz as long relievers can give relief for the remainder of the pen and we don't have any plans for them in '26.

If we don't overuse Leary, Romero, Maton and Helsley (and Svanson?) they should be an effective bullpen and actually help us in the tight games.

Consider.

Get Contreras', Walker's, Gorman's and Burleson's hitting going like Saggese' is, right now. And it could happen.

That's a happy outcome, not a directed solution.

I happen to think that if we can resolve the pitching deficiency, the position players think we have a better chance to win and perform accordingly.

I think when we get Herrera back he can lead the way with power and then hopefully Contreras and Walker etc can get comfortable behind him. With our lineup in full health, the offense is not deficient as a whole. There's speed, contact, obp, all there.

I agree. Do you agree that the problem is the pitching, specifically bullpen?

I agree.

[MIDMOBIRDTWO]

I just know one thing, this team is not close contending in 2025. Which means every decision the front office makes with regard to playing time should be made with the future in mind.

Bullpen is not very good. The use of the bullpen has been a little odd, especially in extra innings.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Many things. That’s why they’re taking a whole season to do it.

[12xu]

Just about every single aspect of the team needs fixing. Not enough power, poor hitting with RISP, lack of running game on the basepaths, starting pitching lacking in strikeout stuff, only a few reliable relievers, catchers who seldom throw out basestealers, and a young manager trying to learn at the MLB level and making many mistakes.

[MIDMOBIRDTWO]

Many things. That’s why they’re taking a whole season to do it.

Hopefully Talkin, the coup de gras at the end of this mess of a season will be getting rid of Oli and getting an experienced baseball manager. Chaim Bloom has to have a couple on his short list.

[JuanAgosto]

In order:

1. Ownership having a desire to win.
2. A POBO that knows how to build a sensible roster.
3. A manager with baseball instincts. No more ipad mgmnt.
4. A 3rd base coach that can do the job correctly.
5. A complete bullpen with MLB talent.

[Futuregm2]

OK, injuries hurt. Losing the guy who was leading us with HR's didn't help. Starting a road trip with a team (Mets) that is virtually hitting on all cylinders in the pitching ranks at their park hasn't helped either. Having Fernandez and King in our bullpen isn't working either.

So what has gone wrong? One: we went to a six man rotation. Seems like an OK idea if we hadn't taken resources from the pen. We did take them away and are learning that it doesn't work.

Who are the starters? Sonny, Fedde, Pallante, Mikolas, Matz and Liberatore.

What's wrong with that picture other than the fact that we stole both Liberatore and Matz from the pen where they were very effective. That might be fine, if we had backfill. News flash! We don't.

So, we need 5 starters. That suggests that Matz or Liberatore needs to return to the pen. Since we'll need him as a starter next year, I suggest we keep Libby in the rotation. Matz reverts to a long closer. If he can put a 3 or 4 inning finishing touch on a game each week, that means we give the rest of the bullpen a nite off. What a concept!

We could use one of those. But, if we ditch the two ineffectives, King and Fernandez, we still need another reliever. Some suggest McGreevy and others Roby. I'd bring McGreevy up to start and put Mikolas in the long role. McGreevy auditions for 2026 and Mikolas waves goodbye next year. Can Mikolas adapt to bullpen? I dunno. But, he can't be any worse than K and F. I don't like the idea of putting Roby in the pen, but there is an argument that he might be more durable there.

I would prefer to use LIbby and McGreevy in the rotation. Maybe it wouldn't be a strong point this year, but a good investment to the future. Using Mikolas and Matz as long relievers can give relief for the remainder of the pen and we don't have any plans for them in '26.

If we don't overuse Leary, Romero, Maton and Helsley (and Svanson?) they should be an effective bullpen and actually help us in the tight games.

Consider.

Get Contreras', Walker's, Gorman's and Burleson's hitting going like Saggese' is, right now. And it could happen.

That's a happy outcome, not a directed solution.

I happen to think that if we can resolve the pitching deficiency, the position players think we have a better chance to win and perform accordingly.[l/B]

O you think it’s a pitching problem? Libby gave up 2 runs in 6.2 IP on Saturday and took the loss. The hitting has been a problem, especially on the road.

[Alex Reyes Cy Young]

If they are serious about corrective action they need to trade for a real DH. I like Hererra filling in from time to time, but he's a catcher as of now. They lack a true 800+ OPS professional hitter this has killed them for years. Except for the second half of the season with Pujols they never really had one.

I agree with the OP and a few others, on the pitching side they need another relief pitcher. But.... They need to start by getting a "real" DH. Even like a Soler type (to start the season) would have been extremely helpful. Maybe they could find a hitter who is controlled that fits the bill.

In 2024 they ranked top 1/3 barely but that was skewed by Donovan sporting a .7 WAR while DH'ing. Next up was Walker, WC, Gorman at .2 each.

This year our primary DH is WC and he is -0.5 WAR

[hugeCardfan]

OK, injuries hurt. Losing the guy who was leading us with HR's didn't help. Starting a road trip with a team (Mets) that is virtually hitting on all cylinders in the pitching ranks at their park hasn't helped either. Having Fernandez and King in our bullpen isn't working either.

So what has gone wrong? One: we went to a six man rotation. Seems like an OK idea if we hadn't taken resources from the pen. We did take them away and are learning that it doesn't work.

Who are the starters? Sonny, Fedde, Pallante, Mikolas, Matz and Liberatore.

What's wrong with that picture other than the fact that we stole both Liberatore and Matz from the pen where they were very effective. That might be fine, if we had backfill. News flash! We don't.

So, we need 5 starters. That suggests that Matz or Liberatore needs to return to the pen. Since we'll need him as a starter next year, I suggest we keep Libby in the rotation. Matz reverts to a long closer. If he can put a 3 or 4 inning finishing touch on a game each week, that means we give the rest of the bullpen a nite off. What a concept!

We could use one of those. But, if we ditch the two ineffectives, King and Fernandez, we still need another reliever. Some suggest McGreevy and others Roby. I'd bring McGreevy up to start and put Mikolas in the long role. McGreevy auditions for 2026 and Mikolas waves goodbye next year. Can Mikolas adapt to bullpen? I dunno. But, he can't be any worse than K and F. I don't like the idea of putting Roby in the pen, but there is an argument that he might be more durable there.

I would prefer to use LIbby and McGreevy in the rotation. Maybe it wouldn't be a strong point this year, but a good investment to the future. Using Mikolas and Matz as long relievers can give relief for the remainder of the pen and we don't have any plans for them in '26.

If we don't overuse Leary, Romero, Maton and Helsley (and Svanson?) they should be an effective bullpen and actually help us in the tight games.

Consider.

Get Contreras', Walker's, Gorman's and Burleson's hitting going like Saggese' is, right now. And it could happen.

That's a happy outcome, not a directed solution.

I happen to think that if we can resolve the pitching deficiency, the position players think we have a better chance to win and perform accordingly.[l/B]

O you think it’s a pitching problem? Libby gave up 2 runs in 6.2 IP on Saturday and took the loss. The hitting has been a problem, especially on the road.

Every team is going to lose some 1-0, 2-0 games. When we start to give up 2-0, 3-1, 3-2 leads late in the game, it’s definitely a pitching problem. Boston was a pitching problem. The Mets was both. We have to address what we can. Two or three non producers in the pen, sucks the energy from any team. How do you think Arizona felt after scoring 10 runs in a late inning only to give up 7 right after.

Shades of 2023. 2024 was different thanks to the pitching all the way thru the pen… not any hitting prowess. Sure we need more hitting. Give them a reason to hope they can win.

Fix the pitching. That’s within reach, IMO.