Setup Role

Last night I also think Wagner could have been brought in the 8th and work 2 innings and it might have made the game a lot easier.

Thats the way the game was played as recently as 10 years ago and more. And it makes sense. Now its all about pitch counts and protecting the big money investments, which is understandable, if impractical at the same time.

Willie does what many other managers do: they let the relievers dictate how the game is played, not letting the game dictate how relievers are used. For example, if the opposing team has the bases loaded with one out and is down by one in the 8th, you bring your closer in, not "save him for the ninth" and put a "setup" guy in. Use the closer, he should be the best reliever, use him in the most important situation. And conversely if a guy can shut a team down in the 7th with a 1 run lead, he can do it in the 8th or 9th as well.

This whole "inning specialization" concept is ridiculous.

Until we get Duaner Sanchez back, I think I want a platoon for the 8th inning of Joe Smith and Pedro Feliciano. The Mets cant afford Heilman's long-ball tendencies this year, since we're going to play the Braves and Phillies a lot, and many of those games will come down to the wire.

I personally think that Heilman need a little bit of rest(he's been used a lot the past couple of years) and maybe some psychotherapy. Yadier Molina's home run seems to still stick in his mind.