Fredi Wants Lindstrom Back in Closer Role

[m26555]

Florida Marlins' Matt Lindstrom to be eased into role as the closer

LOS ANGELES -- When Matt Lindstrom returns from the disabled list, which could be as early as next week, manager Fredi Gonzalez said he will be eased back into the closer's role.

``I think maybe the first couple of times we won't use him in the ninth,'' Gonzalez said.

Lindstrom is working his way back from a sprained right elbow. He threw a simulation game on Wednesday, is scheduled for a rehab outing Saturday for Single A Jupiter and will likely throw two or three more times before the Marlins activate him.

``I think the biggest test is when he goes back-to-back, because you want to make sure he can do that and not have any problems,'' Gonzalez said of Lindstrom's remaining minor-league work.

Gonzalez said Lindstrom could be ready to rejoin the staff either late in the next homestand or early on the trip that follows. But Gonzalez said he wants to bring the right-hander along slowly.

``We may use him in the seventh and eighth, and let him be comfortable enough, and then we'll give him the [ninth] back,'' Gonzalez said.


http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/1156830.html

Another thing to add to my list of reasons for Fredi to die.

[Beef]

Jeez

[marlins_virus.exe]

ugh

[Chewford]

But why, things have been so less stressful without him.

[MiamiHomer]

Can't believe this hasn't been used in this thread....:fip.

[Namaste]

For all of the dumb things that Joe Girardi did, this guy is really rising up the titmouse ladder fast. Why would you even entertain the thought of reinserting him as the closer unless what we currently have now starts to spin out of control?

I hated that yesterday it took Fredi about 20 minutes (and 4 LAD runs later) before the payback beanball was made. The list is growing.

[Beef]

1) Joe Girardi cannot be topped
2) I doubt Fredi makes this decision on his own

[Namaste]

1) true
2) true

But the beanball payback took too long and I'm starting to think that Fredi is the one keeping Bonifacio at the top of the lineup

3) I can't get used to your avatar.

[Beef]

I dont know bout the Bonifacio thing. I imagine if Fredi moved Bonifacio down in the lineup the entire front office would run onto the field screaming YOU TRYING TO SHOW US UP OR SUMFIN!?!

After the way they dealt with Girardi, who never saw our best pitchers and demanded they not play in the Majors, I can't imagine they would have a manager right now who makes any decisions outside of in game adjustments like pitching changes, pinch hitters and the like.
--------------------
3) Its a kitten!

[Metes]

Fredi is a puppet for sure

[Ramp]

If he's throwing better than he was (velo etc), I wouldn't be against this

[Namaste]

I still maintain it's not a mechanics issue. It's a between the ears issue.

[marlins_virus.exe]

i think it's just a talent issue

[Fish Tank Frenzy]

i think it's just a talent issue

Agreed with MK and Daft. I think its a mix of both head and talent issues. He cant throw any of his breaking pitches for strikes. His fastball, sure its fast but its straight and in the big leagues, straight fastballs end up 450 ft away from home plate.

Lindstrom is best used in the 7th or 8th innings. His nerves probably arent jumping like in the 9th inning.

[Beef]

Perhaps if there is the idea that it is partially in his head and that it is both head and talent, maybe the head part is that he realizes he is not good enough to get people out and then pitching in the 7th or 8th innings wouldn't be much different than the 9th

[m26555]

Perhaps if there is the idea that it is partially in his head and that it is both head and talent, maybe the head part is that he realizes he is not good enough to get people out and then pitching in the 7th or 8th innings wouldn't be much different than the 9th
Nah. I think pitching in the ninth as opposed to the seventh or eighth is an entirely different animal. I mean, he was very effective for us in '07 and '08 out of the middle relief role.

[Beef]

Then its not a talent problem

[Fishfan79]

Hmm, personally I would keep him down for as long as possible to try to build up his arm strength. Seemed his FB was flat and slower all year long.

[MiamiHomer]

Matt's rehab outing with Jacksonville today.

1IP 2H 2ER 1HR 2K

[FishFF]

looks like he's ready to start right where he left off

[Metes]

Yuh, go head and bring him back, he won't miss a beat.