Tom Haley's Closing Time blog, September 25, 2022
We clinched the National League Eastern Division championship last night when we beat the Brewers, 8-2. It's a great feeling to be back on top of the division again, looking forward to the playoffs. I remember how different the mood around the club was last year, when we were struggling to stay out of last place. Everyone kept playing hard last year, and I was impressed by how professional the guys remained, but now there's a noticeable buzz in the clubhouse that simply isn't there when you're losing.
I feel sorry for
Jason Heyward, who isn't able to fully participate in the fun. He fractured a finger two weeks ago, and he won't play again this season, no matter how deep a playoff run we make.
The last two or three years, Jason has had terrible luck with injuries. They don't keep him from being a presence in our clubhouse, but we definitely miss his bat in the middle of our lineup.
Fortunately, we've had some guys really step up this year and provide us with great production:
- In the case of Edward Shaw, it's simply been a matter of him getting back to "normal."
- Andre Bryant has had a great year for us. He drove in his 100th, 101st, and 102nd runs last night.
- Joe Hooper has an OBP over .400, and he's the most dangerous, exciting baserunner in the league.
- Everth Cabrera came back from a lingering hamstring problem and is hitting .300.
- Jaime Cuevas has given us a huge lift since we traded for him in June. With Jason out, Jaime is playing regularly now, he's hitting .300, and he's knocking in runs.
We're also getting much better starting pitching this year.
Brian Nolan and
Arodys Vizcaino are back in the groove and feel strong. Having
Kris Medlen back gives our rotation even more stability.
Ryan Berry, who had never had much of a chance to show what he could do in the big leagues, was pitching well for us until he got hurt.
When the starters come out, guys like
Alessio Cirilli, Arthur Cumberbat, Tyler Clippard, and
Kyle Morris have the ability to get hitters out.
I went through a stretch in July and August where I was giving up too many home runs. Fortunately, only one of them cost us a ballgame. I haven't allowed a homer in a month now, so hopefully the problem is solved. That, and one rough outing where I gave up three runs in one-third of an inning, have done their damage to my ERA. I've only blown three saves in 44 chances, though, so for the most part I'm pleased with the job I've been doing...