Mike Maddux says there are not any outside options. Feels very good about guys in camp.
Has a week left to decide on closer. Have some ideas, but need to discuss. Could be a more than 1 IP guy.
“A lot of donuts out of Dak and Ponce” in game. Run prevention is the goal.
Example of new innovation during downtime was Wainwright long toss program. Used to do it. Revisited with KK. Webb also “tried some things” and is liking them.
Helsley last year did a nice job and even better in post-season. They always remember. Sim game not same intensity. He is remembering mistakes which made several outings ugly. Viable candidate for later in game. Not withstanding rough inning today and last time out.
Did not see Johan Oviedo a lot in spring. Adonis like body. Also has the firepower. Good slider, now saw good changeup too. “The more you see him, the more you like him.” He has high ceiling and will come fast. Pounds zone. Will be viable candidate to help them.
Kodi Whitley opened eyes in spring 2019. Then excelled at three levels working 8th and 9th innings. Wish could have seen him more this spring. Love his demeanor and desire to get better. As he gathers experience, he will be more reliable. Already shown he is durable.
Carlos is an option to start, pitch multiple innings and close. Everyone is closer candidate. Still have to put heads together. Not going to beat one guy up initially, like having him pitch 3 of 4 days. See who puts up donuts (on the scoreboard). Carlos has only thrown once. Will make decisions in last week. Haven’t seen enough yet to decide.
Multiple inning options will be very important. Starters could pitch 7 innings. Will be set up for two starters each day.
Looking forward to changes – 3 batter minimum and NL DH. Wants to maneuver there and will have multiple options for each scenario. DH is more a matter of where the other team is in their lineup. NL teams not really built for DH. In interleague, AL has DH batting 3rd or 4th. but NL team has them 7, 8 or 9th.
With no crowd, fans will see how much chatter and interaction there is between players and coaches.
His pitchers have thrown a lot of pitches in the last week. Ponce threw 21 pitches for a walk and three Ks. Hitters made him work. Flaherty had a fistfight every at-bat. That grinds pitchers down.