RD, opinion on Stammen closing? I think he's looked more like a closer than anyone else in our bullpen.
Honestly, Ive only seen Stammen pitch once this year. I think he's been tremendous so far, looking at the stats. So I really can't comment on how he's looked this year.
I definitely would've used him tonight. With the way Matt Kemp is playing, I didnt like trotting Gorzelanny back out there to face him. Its hard to just put him on base, since he has the speed to get himself into scoring position on his own. I would've put Stammen out there to start the thing. Unless I missed something on his availability tonight ... ?
As for Rodriguez, he has pitched well this season. I dont mind him being the closer. He's got overpowering stuff, and he's done very well this year. So I understand why he's in the role. But I know his history. We all do. As does Davey. When you watch his first pitch sail over the catchers head, that should immediately raise a red flag. He just doesn't seem to figure it out mid inning, so you have to be prepared when he goes into the game and immediately struggles with his control, you have to be aware he doesn't have it.
If Rodriguez continues to be up and down, I dont mind giving Stammen a chance. But Id still leave Henry there now. He's been consistently good this year. Im aware bad games happen to every pitcher, but you can tell very quickly when Henry is going to have a bad game.
