| Steve Cernak. 11th August, 2005 - 4:02 pm
 The longest consecutive save streak in Mariner?s history came to halt last night and highlighted a management gaffe.
With two outs, Michael Cuddyer of the Twins would reach on what was scored an infield single. The M?s second basemen Willie Bloomquist attempted to throw Cuddyer out, but instead the throw hit the first base seats advancing Cuddyer to second.
Lew Ford?s single would drive in pinch runner Nick Punto. The unearned run ended Eddie Guardado?s consecutive save streak at 27.
"If I don't make that throw, the game would probably have been over two hours ago," Bloomquist told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer after his team lost in 14 innings. "I took an extra step, trying to get something extra on it. I probably got too much on it."
With the Mariners in rebuilding mode, such a scenario is not shocking. Such outcomes are not uncommon with inexperience.
What does boggle the mind is that Guardado?s consecutive save streak came to a close in an M?s uniform. The team is rebuilding with its most valuable player at closer.
The GM Bill Bavasi fielded offers for Guardado and given the nature of this year?s market the decision was made to hold onto the reliable closer. After all, who trades low?
This is a circumstance, however, is one where the Mariners would have created a market with due diligence. The end result would be some team paying handsomely for the closer. He would have been the biggest name dealt at the deadline. Surely, he would have netted a legitimate prospect or two.
The best closer in the NL East this season is Chad Cordero with pedigree pitcher Billy Wagner right behind. But the Braves, Marlins and Mets wanted a bullpen upgrade. The Braves hope Kyle Farnsworth provides the upgrade and the Mets tried to acquire Danys Baez in the proposed Manny Ramirez deal. Guillermo Mota has been a disappointment hence far for the Marlins. Maybe the Phillies and Nationals enter the bidding to drive the price up for their divisional rivals.
The Astros have a limited window to win now?assuming time does in fact catch up with Roger Clemens. The White Sox allegedly sought a fall back plan because of Dustin Hermanson?s back. The Yankees are always buyers and never sellers. Looking back, the Orioles and Rangers were in contention and needed pitching help.
And you are telling me that come October, a healthy Curt Schilling is more valuable for one inning than eight?
The Mariners have some bright, young prospects highlighted recently by Felix Hernandez?s, 19, eight shutout innings in his second start. The M?s should acquire more prospects to challenge one another for roster spots and can learn to play together as a team.
What is the value of a 34 year-old pitcher with 27 consecutive saves on a last place team? |
