So we should just find another Jeff Hoffman out there on someone's AAA roster!
It's the right answer but about three weeks ago he had a three-game stretch with two bad games. Anyone can have a bad week (or two, or a month).
I don't think it's pathetic to lose to the Bucs, especially on the road. They're a young, talented, low-budget team with a winning record (well, at least now they are). The A's, at home, yes.
Anyway, it's spin because it is inherently an excuse. But that doesn't mean the excuses don't have some legitimacy to them. You really think we lose that A's series if Wheeler pitches? Or lose as many games as they have in the past month fully healthy? (And it's still not that bad a record.) It often takes several weeks for injured players to find their groove again. Sometimes longer. Except for Trea Turner apparently.
What a luxury, really, that the standard is now, let's clinch this thing in August, and, the GM better not rest on these laurels at the deadline. They still have a firmer grip on the being the best team in the NL than last year's team ever did on being the 4th seed. Especially in the first half of the season.
I'd say my biggest concern is Sanchez's performance on the road, along Suarez. Because I know they are going to address the other issues. Not even gonna worry about Wheeler because if his health is a problem that's an unsolvable problem.
