It's official - Mulder on Friday

by Kelly on Sep 27, 2004 7:58 PM PDT

From oaklandathletics.com:

Mulder to start Friday: Despite his recent struggles, left-hander Mulder will take his regular start on Friday when the A's open a crucial three-game series with the visiting Anaheim Angels.

"Mulder will start on Friday at this particular moment," Macha said. "He's a 17-game winner and he's the horse of our pitching staff."

Mulder was the first pitcher in the Majors to reach 17 wins on Aug. 24, but he hasn't won in six starts since. He has an ERA of 7.71 in that span, allowing 28 runs in 32 2/3 innings.

"I wasn't doubting," Mulder said, "I was starting. That's it."

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Confirmation

Billy Beane was on with Ralph today on KNBR. He confirmed its Mulder's game. He also confirmed this is a mental issue that he is going through, and the only way Beane knows to get through it to keep getting out there. Get it done Mark.

by rook on Sep 27, 2004 8:43 PM PDT reply actions

It is Beane's team

Macha made it pretty clear after Sunday's game that he wanted Blanton to start Friday's game. But I mentioned in my diary below that, in the end, this would be Billy Beane's call. He's made the decision. I think it's a mistake, but do understand one aspect of it. If the A's are to have any chance of advancing past the first round of the playoffs, we need an effective Mark Mulder. Beane appears to be hoping a light bulb will go on in Mulder's head.

But I don't buy the "mental" thing. What's mental about throwing a fastball? He's lost five miles per hour, for crying out loud.

Macha will, I'm guessing, have Mulder on a really short leash. I would. Who's gonna take the fall if the A's don't make the playoffs? It's not going to be Billy Beane.

My big concern is that we are playing with a handicap - Redman at home (and in the afternoon) on Thursday, then Mulder on Friday. That's two games out of our remaining six. We better get our hitting shoes on those days, or hope for a startling turnaround by those pitchers.

by bear88 on Sep 28, 2004 12:00 AM PDT reply actions

Curt Young comment

In an ESPN story, Young stated that Mulder was
struggling a bit. I would NOT like to see if
Mulder was REALLY struggling! Almost seems like
he thinks nothing's wrong. Curt needs to help him figure it out!

by OregonAs on Sep 28, 2004 2:45 AM PDT reply actions

Mulder is the best bet

I agree with having Mulder start. After all, who else is going to do it? I'm not sure I'd trust throwing Blanton into such a pressure-filled situation. He's a rookie and despite pitching a few strong innings, he's really unproven. Mulder on the other hand will come out of his funk. He's too good of a pitcher to remain this awful. Hopefully it happens sooner rather than later.

by limecat on Sep 28, 2004 6:38 AM PDT reply actions

Another Theory

Benae just took the pressure off Blanton. After macha's comments, they couldn't keep the question open. If Beane says Blanton everybody and his brother starts bugging Blanton about the "most crucial first start in history", etc, etc.

I still think it will be Blanton and we'll find out on Thursday.

paul m

by paul m on Sep 28, 2004 7:11 AM PDT reply actions

Why not Blanton on Thursday?

I agree with those who say trot out Mulder on Friday and hope for the best. As bad as he's been, this is still Mark Mulder. Outside of injuries, he's been our most consistent pitcher over the last three years. You've got to give him a chance to pitch on his regular day. If not, what message do you send to him and the rest of the team?
On the other hand, I can't understand how you can send out Redman for a day game at the Net. Its clear, even to Redman, that he'll pitch out of the bullpen for any post season series, so why not move him there now and start Blanton. Its true that this is a pressure packed situation for Blanton's first start, but at least it's against the Mariners and not the Angels. Besides, what's worse an inexperienced Redman or the experience of Redman's games at the Net this year?

by guapobob on Sep 28, 2004 7:37 AM PDT reply actions

One More Theory

BB is always looking ahead, isn't he?

OK by pulling Mulder and inserting Blanton on Friday-- when there is no injury that anyone has found-- is not the right decision in terms of Beane's off-season trade leverage.

In one fell swoop you basically announce that Blanton is now your guy, and you devalue one of the two pitchers that could be traded to open up the rotation spot for him.

I'm not saying that this was the only reason-- obviously Beane wants to win-- but in a close call given the magnitude of the game, the fact that it would be Blanton's first start, and the desire to get one on your three horses back on the right track before the playoffs begin, it might have tipped the decision.

Same logic applies to Thursday where there's a much better chance we're dealing with randomness since Redman still does fine in road starts whereas Mulder hasn't done anything anywhere for more than a month.

paul m

by paul m on Sep 28, 2004 9:15 AM PDT reply actions