Kansas City Royals: Has The Lesson Been Learned

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Ryan Madson (46) – Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Bullpen Management

Much like the lineup, this shouldn’t be complicated. Sure, if you just had one of Wade Davis or Kelvin Herrera, that might complicate matters, but that’s not the case. Both are there. Both are healthy and rested, and it’s not like that’s all you have.

There’s the improbable season Ryan Madson is putting together, and then there’s the steady arm of Jason Frasor. You can also mix in Luke Hochevar, and did I mention you have arguably the best closer in baseball — Greg Holland?

imagine my confusion, when late in the Cubs/Royals game, as the Royals still have a loaded bullpen even after throwing Herrera and Davis, and game still tied at 1-1, Ned turns the game over to Ryan Madson and Jason Frasor.

The Kansas City Royals bullpen is a veritable embarrassment of riches. It would be hard to go wrong, yet…

Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson once said, “Don’t let Superman beat you”. There were only a few players Sparky Anderson referenced with that quote, and one of them was Kansas City’s very own George Brett.

The meaning of the quote is simple. If he could help it, he was going to make someone else beat him, instead of someone like George Brett. Whether that meant pitching around Brett, or not pitching to him at all, Anderson was going to be able to sleep at night knowing he didn’t allow Superman to beat him.

So, imagine my confusion, when late in the Cubs/Royals game, as the Royals still have a loaded bullpen even after throwing Herrera and Davis, and game still tied at 1-1, Ned turns the game over to Ryan Madson and Jason Frasor.

Can he really tell himself that he thought Madson and Frasor, in that spot, gave the Royals the best chance to extend the game, and perhaps win?

To somewhat apply it to what Sparky Anderson said about Superman, there Ned is with a chance to force the Cubs to go through Superman in the form of Holland, but elects to allow them to face easier (though still very competent) pitchers in Madson and Frasor.

How can he sleep at night with this kind of decision-making? Can he really consider that putting his best foot forward? Can he really tell himself that he thought Madson and Frasor, in that spot, gave the Royals the best chance to extend the game, and perhaps win?

Yes, I know, Holland is considered to be the Royals “closer”. A title which carries the duty of closing out a game the Royals are winning by three or fewer runs. How did Holland get that title? He proved that he was one of the best bullpen arms in baseball. So, title be damned, Holland needs to be on the mound when the Royals need to hold someone scoreless, regardless of the score of the game, or which inning it is.

Next: Conclusion