This team lost today the way many would predict they will lose a number of games this year, based on the current roster:
– lack of reliable pen/closer
– inconsistent, streaky offense
– defense, with 3B being a legitimate concern
– lack of left handednessHope these things evolve favorably as the season progresses.
The pen was fine the first three games.
The offense was sufficient in the first three games.
The team has one error, so it can hardly be said that the defense is bad.
I guess the dearth of lefties is a fair point??
That being said, the clear root cause of the poor start and what will probably hold the team back is exactly what I predicted… mediocre starting pitching. You just won’t win many series when your SP have an ERA pushing 6 (heavily weighted by Wacha, the only one who didn’t pitch terribly). This team snatched at least two defeats from the jaws of victory.