Former MVP and current Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez has recently been lauded for his increasingly entertaining social media presence.
But further praise probably won’t be coming from anyone in the Braves bullpen.
In a series of tweets, Hernandez voiced displeasure with a lengthy Monday at SunTrust Park. The Braves-Mets doubleheader was stalled by rain and took more than 15 hours to complete.
Hernandez felt the process could’ve moved quicker if Braves relievers threw more strikes.
“Typical, young, unpolished relievers being asked to throw breaking balls and change ups when they can’t,” Hernandez said in a three-part tweet. “Asking too much. They should be in the minor leagues attempting to hone their skills. Big reason for 3 hour plus games. Walks and 3-2 counts. Not major leaguers. I’m talking about the Braves’ bullpen. If that’s what they got, they’re in big trouble.”
He was referring to the nightcap, when Lucas Sims walked a pair, and A.J. Minter was hit for three runs in 2/3rd of an inning in the Braves’ 8-5 loss. Both Sims and Minter are 24 years old.
The tweet drew reaction from two Braves veterans, starter Brandon McCarthy and reliever Peter Moylan. McCarthy quote-tweeted Hernandez’s remark saying “when you didn’t read the book but have to give a book report.”
Moylan reacted with similar sarcastic tone, adding “So fastballs middle middle from now on? Got it.”
The 39-year-old Aussie followed up his comments Wednesday. He pointed out the game is much different than when Hernandez played from 1974-1990.
“It’s not like the strike zone is three-feet wider (like) it was when he played,” Moylan said. “Guys are trying to paint the corners to get guys out. They don’t want to give up hits.
“To go on Twitter and say something like that, I thought it was just completely uncalled for, disrespectful. We aren’t going to use it as motivation, but we’ll certainly keep it in the back of our minds.”
Bullpens, and baseball in general, are getting younger. Moylan’s argument was that obviously no reliever is trying to slow the game down, and the only way for younger arms to improve is to pitch through it.
“It’s like when you’re trying to get a job and they say, ‘We want people with experience.’ Well how do you get experience without being able to come out here and pitch?” Moylan said. “When one of their relievers gave up a run (Tuesday), it’s like, it happens. It happens to everyone. We’re not trying to give up runs and we’re not trying to make the game last three and a half hours.
“We’re out here doing our best and it’s a lot easier when you’re up there sitting in the booth.”
Dan Winkler, who’s 28 but still a rookie due to service time, wasn’t as vocal as his teammate. He’s been a large reason for the bullpen’s success, earning a 0.84 ERA in 23 appearances.
Winkler didn’t pitch Monday, but was aware of the comments.
“Keith should be a Hall of Famer, but I respectfully disagree with what he had to say,” Winkler said. “Those guys are really good friends of mine. They’re like brothers to me. You attack one of us, it’s like you’ve attacked all of us. It’s just tough to hear stuff like that.”
The presumed subject of Hernandez’s frustration, Minter, isn’t on Twitter. This season has been a learn-as-you-go experience for the lefty many believe will eventually operate as the Braves’ primary closer.
Minter hadn’t seen the tweets – he doesn’t pay much attention to such – but heard about what was said.
He withheld from responding to the criticism, instead agreeing that he could be better.
“Everyone’s entitled to their opinions,” he said. “I’ll own up to it: I haven’t been pitching to my capabilities this year. So I’ve been working on it, trying to get better and throw strikes. It’s a milestone that’s going to lead to something amazing hopefully at the end of the year.”
The bullpen, aside from a stretch of walking woes, has been among the Braves’ strengths for much of the year. It ranks 12th in league ERA (3.67), while the Mets’ 4.33 is No. 23 in the bigs.
That bullpen success has come in 198 2/3 innings, 10th most in the majors. Opponents are hitting .233 against Braves relievers, fifth-lowest in baseball.
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