That right, I said it: I still love Joel Hanrahan.
Yes, he may have blown 3 out of 5 save opportunities but I don’t think it is time to fire him yet. Granted, part of my love for him comes from the fact that he is such a nice person, but I still believe he can be an effective pitcher.
He is not a closer and he won’t be until he gains confidence in himself. To be a closer you have to go out there and think you are the best thing since sliced bread and Joel thinks too much about who he is pitching to, what the score is and the fact that he had to close out the game.
In Spring Training 2008, Joel had a 0.00 ERA; he had nothing to lose and he just went out there and pitched. That’s how he won a spot in the bullpen last year.
I am not giving up on Joel yet and I certainly do not think he should be in the minors; he just needs more confidence in himself and in his pitches. That is not something he will get overnight. It’s a good thing that he doesn’t have the title of closer anymore; it takes the pressure off of him and he can just go out and pitch without feeling like the game rests on his shoulders.
I don’t think confidence in him from the fans would hurt either. So you will continue to see me wear my Hanrahan jersey loud and proud because I am still a HanraFAN.
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April 29th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
You’re dead-on. There are fewer things more delicate than a pitcher’s psyche (soap bubbles, mostly) and the reason Joel blew those saves is because Joel blew ‘em. That is, he didn’t listen to Crash Davis: “Don’t think. You can only hurt the ballclub.” I think he’ll be a good middle reliever. Just let him pitch in a lesser-pressure situation and his ERA should come down.
‘Course, that doesn’t do anything for the fact the Nats still need a closer…
April 29th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Nice post Danielle. Way to stay loyal to your favorites too. He is such a nice guy, but you are right - he needs to build his confidence back up and not worry about anything else except throwing strikes and getting guys out. He needs to throw more fastballs and lay off the sliders.
April 29th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
You are far more forgiving where Joel Blownsaverahan is concerned than many other fans (including myself) are, and I commend you for your tolerance and patience. Personally, I never again want to see him in the closer role for the Nationals…ever. He just doesn’t have the killer instinct to be a successful closer. Joel filled in adequately when that role was dropped in his lap last year, but this year proves that the closer role is simply not for him. The Nats should use him as a middle reliever when they have a decent lead and see what happens. If he succeeds, then good for him and for us. If he doesn’t, I will personally pay for his bus ticket to Syracuse.
April 30th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Joel is a nice guy. Unfortunately, nice doesn’t win games. But does anyone on the Nationals throw a pitch at 96 miles an hour?
I don’t think so. That’s why I think we need to work with him to get his confidence back. He is awesome when he hits the strike zone with that kind of velocity. Joel, We know you can do it!!! Maybe Philbin has the relief pitchers eating too many Alfalfa Spouts —they need some steak!!
April 30th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Way to support your guy, Danielle. It’s not easy when your favorite is under fire - believe me, I know! Hopefully Joel will get his confidence back. Hang in there.
May 1st, 2009 at 8:22 am
It feels like it’s snowballing out of control. He needs to pitch in some meaningless situations and calm down. He’s trying way too hard.