Mark Hendrickson: Since being relegated to relief duty he has allowed six runs on 13 hits in 17...

Mark Hendrickson:

Since being relegated to relief duty he has allowed six runs on 13 hits in 17 innings for a 3.18 ERA.

about 1 year ago craig 3 comments 0 recs |

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The stats are deceiving

Here’s a better reflection of Mark Hendrickson’s performance out of the bullpen. In five appearances as a relief pitcher, he entered one game when the Marlins weren’t losing. It was a tie game against the Cubs, on July 27, and Hendrickson blew it. He gave up a home run to Derrek Lee and was ultimately charged with three runs and the loss.

Besides that game, the Marlins were trailing by three or more runs each time Hendrickson has pitched out of the ‘pen. He gave up insurance runs twice in those situations while holding the opposition scoreless twice.

The guy has shown little reason why he should stay in the majors once Andrew Miller is ready to go.

by mhirsch on Aug 8, 2008 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Actually, I disagree...

It’s unwise to leave Miller sitting in the bullpen for an occasional spot-start or long-relief appearance. He needs seasoning and to work on his control, which won’t happen if he’s languishing on the bench. Hendrickson, on the other hand, is pretty expendable, so there’s no problem with him going a week between appearances.

Of course, with Johnson, Sanchez, Nolasco, Olsen and now Volstad entrenched in the rotation, I really do wonder how Miller fits in.

by Fishcrazy on Aug 8, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At this stage in Miller’s development, facing major league hitters might be more productive than consistent appearances in the minors. Assuming he’s healthy, of course.

At the same time, the last two months of the season are about fielding a playoff-caliber team. Which leads to my main point: Mark Hendrickson will not help this team get to the playoffs.

That doesn’t mean Miller is the ideal option in long relief. But there is no other option. And Miller’s stats suggest he might do better than Hendrickson if he’s healthy. He has given up only 6 home runs all season, compared to 17 by Hendrickson. And over nine innings, he strikes out almost two more batters than Hendrickson.

by mhirsch on Aug 8, 2008 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs