Well, now we know what ticks off John McLaren.
The Mariners’ manager began his morning meeting with reporters Saturday by letting it be known he was angry, without saying why. As the questions went on, it became apparent why.
McLaren didn’t appreciate some of the questions about Erik Bedard after Friday’s game, when Bedard gave up three runs in two innings of his first spring training game. Then Saturday, McLaren repeated himself by saying he thought Bedard threw the ball well and that the main objective at this point in spring training is to build arm strength.
When the topic Saturday morning swung to what he expects of his starters in their first spring outings, McLaren became increasingly furious.
“Yesterday, I was very happy with Erik. Very happy,” McLaren said. “He had good stuff. There were a lot of close pitches, he had good composure, a lot of borderline pitches he didn’t get. He got his pitch count in. He had a good delivery and it was something to build from.
“Some of the questions you guys asked me yesterday, it actually (ticked) me off and it’s carrying over to today. I just don’t know what we’re expecting in spring training. We get three scoreless innings and I just want this kid in shape. It (ticks) me off, to be honest with you.”
McLaren is right. Boxscores are the last thing anyone should use to evaluate a player, especially at this point in spring training. Bedard’s first outing would have been a success had he given up 10 runs as long as his pitches were around the plate and he threw the 40-45 pitches needed to build his arm strength.
However, it’s unrealistic to expect fans not to feel at least a twinge of alarm — or for reporters to ask about it — when a guy who cost the organization five players in the trade with the Orioles gets knocked around. Even when it’s his first outing of the spring.
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