7
2011
Is Collins waffling on Parnell?
An article by 
One of the many things about Jerry Manuel that drove me crazy was his inability to make, and stick, with a decision. For the most part Terry Collins has been the opposite, but there are waffling signs with him on Bobby Parnell.
After Parnell’s blown save against the Nationals, Collins said Parnell would stay in the closer role because he wanted to display faith and avoid a kneejerk decision.
Collins wasn’t so supportive after last night, and suggested Parnell might need some non-save opportunities to bolster his confidence.
There’s no question about Parnell’s stuff, but his command is what has gotten him in trouble. Wildness isn’t just walking batters, but falling behind in the count and having to come in with the fastball.
Of course, that’s consistent with every pitcher.
As Parnell needs to develop confidence in his secondary pitches, he also has to get some from his manager. Collins said he’d get a chance to win the closer role, and that means overcoming rough stretches. That’s hard to do when it’s not the ninth inning, because part of becoming a closer is coming to grips with it being the final inning.
This is a prime learning opportunity with games that have meaning, definitely more of a test than during spring training.
No, I can’t say Parnell will ever become a quality major league closer. I can’t say he won’t, either. But, we’ll never know unless Collins sticks with him for the remaining three weeks. Manuel sabotaged Parnell as a starter several years ago. Here’s hoping Collins doesn’t do the same as a closer.
That’s in the best interest of Parnell and the Mets, because if you look at the other options – Manny Acosta, Pedro Beato or Jason Isringhausen – you realize Parnell has the highest ceiling for 2012.
About the Author: John Delcos
I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.
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Agreed in that now is the time to work with and see what Parnell can do in ways of a closer. This is now what Parnell’s 3rd year? He still struggles with his control and seems to buckle under pressure more times than not.
Parnell may never be anymore than what he has already shown but the Mets should at least use the remainder of the season in helping to decide so.
I would like to see what beato can do also though, at least with a few opportunities.
I don’t think it’s waffling on Collins’ part.
He doesn’t have many choices, and he certainly wants P. to gain confidence and get his chances, but I also think we are getting CLOSER to putting the kibosh on this guy. For now, he is barely mediocre.
why throw away the effort and preparation the rest of the team puts in by bringing in this clunker. Terry is trying to sell the idea that you can win with less talent if you prepare. He kind of defeats his pown purpose by “trusting” Mr. Bow-wow.
More like Waffling on Parnells part as if he doesn’t really WANT the job!
I don’t know that he has what is needed to be a closer. It’s more than just a 100MPH fastball and slider.
Also requires the Killer instinct.
Boy, a few days ago, every post on the homepage was saying how bad of a decision it was for Collins to KEEP Parnell as the closer and questioning his ability to close. Now we’re wondering if Collins is “waffling” because he may let Parnell pitch in the 7th/8th inning or non-save situations for a bit?
I don’t think it’s waffling, I think it’s a good move. If the kid’s confidence is shot to heck, let him gain it back and them try again with closing.
My only comment is the pitch selection.
Who is making it and if it is ultimately falls on Parnell then someone had to grab him by the collar and tell him he has a decent breaking pitch and needs to use it, show it or whatever cause his fastball, like with Cameron, will get hit.
Cameron is a strikeout waiting to happen, he can’t hit the breaking ball so Parnell throws nothing but fastball’s, where is the in game adjustment?
Learning while in the heat of the battle is necessary but how many games does Terry let him blow cause it is also his teammates that are caught in a catch 22 also along with a starter trying to finish strong but his work is for naught cause Bobby can’t close out the game.
The problem with Parnell is he never learns from his mistakes.He constantly tries to beat these guys with his fastball.MLB hitters can time any speed if you keep throwing it.The guy was never a reliable set up man why would anyone think he would grasp the role of the closer.He was never anything to write home about in the minors but because he throws 102 MPH he is the annointed one.Stinson has already showed more poise in the few outings he’s had,I’d rather see that kid get a shot.Most of us knew before hand Parnell just doesn’t have the makeup to close but the manager can’t see this.I doubt Parnell ever becomes a good reliever no matter which role.I doubt the closer for 2012 is even in the organization yet.
No way Parnell is cut out for this job. He allows more hits than innings pitched for one, and he cant handle coming into a pressure situation. Keep him and let him pitch in low pressure innings where he excels.
I agree, I say keep him in the 8th inning and give the ball to Acosta in the 9th for the rest of the year. Manny seems to really enjoy the pressure situations, and he has been responding to them in a positive way. Plus, he’s throwing the heck out of the ball this last month or so.
whatever they do i just hope they don’t put Parnell in with a 1-2 run lead..he will surely give it up.