I have a theory that is a tad interpretive and it stems from what I have noticed in the rotation. R.A. Dickey and Johan Santana have something quite impressive going. Both have had dream seasons and every start seems like a game the Mets have a good chance of winning. And they often do. R.A. and Johan seem to even have a game of one-upsmanship, with each taking the prize in his own way given the week, month, or even start to start within a series.
With this happening, Niese, Gee, and eventually Chris Young became the focus of whether or not this team will continue its run. Niese stepped up in a big way in June and owns a sparkling 3.35 ERA through half the season. Who wants to be the odd man out here? Gee has even pitched into some bad luck and still is a 1.3 W.A.R. pitcher this year. Young comes back from surgery like he has not missed a beat. Five guys who each give their team a chance to win every night. None of these pitchers wants to be that one link in the chain that stops the magic.
This is my take on the starting rotation. They are holding one another accountable to give the team the best chance they can at a win. None of them overpower hitters with a plus fastball. Two are returning from the same shoulder surgery that few (any?) pitchers have truly recovered from to full dominance (until these two did, of course). They are doing it by intelligent pitching and a mentality that gives the impression, from what I can see as a fan, that they are going out there to keep the ball rolling. Johan 8 scoreless? I'll take a one-hitter, says Dickey. Well if I have to follow that I'm sure as heck not getting tossed around here, Niese muses, throwing 7 innings of one-run ball. And so it continues.
The bullpen needs one pitcher to step up and start dominating. I go back and forth about what I truly believe regarding sports psychology but I see something in the starting rotation that the bullpen can take to heart. If one of those guys out there starts truly mowing down hitters and anchors the 'pen, the other pieces will fall into place. Responsibility becomes tantamount to success and it becomes the pitcher's duty to follow suit. When your comrades in arms are getting shelled, it is easy to try to do too much to overcome it, or, conversely, justify getting shelled yourself.
Which pitcher can do this? Pedro Beato could be the answer, returning from a number of strong outings with Buffalo. So could Parnell and, if last night was any indication, his 100-MPH fastball and well-located knuckle curve could certainly be the answer we have been looking for. Rauch could be that guy as well. Despite the tendency to give up the game-winning run, Rauch actually has pretty good numbers.
I think if one of these guys gets going, it takes a ton of pressure off of the unit as a whole. The other pitchers can relax and assume the responsibility not to be that weak link in the chain, just like Dillon Gee has not accepted that role in the rotation, despite a fringe-average fastball as a RHP.
I am far from a psychiatrist and never pitched in a bullpen. I may be way off on this but I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Post below if you agree or disagree but either way, tell me who that one guy is in the 'pen that can make this happen. I could really see Beato being a spark plug for this team. He has good stuff and has a calmness about him that keeps him from getting overwhelmed in big spots. While I am unsure I would use him as a closer, a guy to rely on to get the big out in a bridge inning is just as important, if not more so. I am excited he is back and I look forward to this bullpen improving in the second half. They have pitched to some back luck and that will statistically correct over time.
LGM
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