Willie And The Pen

John Chattman at Mets Mesmerized writes about Willie Randolph and his bullpen blunders:

Willie did a tremendous job with the bullpen last year, because he had a strong bullpen. This year with the pen far more unreliable, he constantly struggles with who to put in and when to take someone out. Mota needs to be sent to the minors, but it wasn't his fault last night. It was Willie Randolph's. Sosa should've been starting that inning, because frankly, asking Mota to give you two strong innings is asking far too much. Mota's been horrible this year, but it doesn't matter. Willie will put him in. Ditto for Heilman. Ditto for Sele. I know Willie's just buying time until the rosters expand - when he can use - say Humber or Pelfrey in some of these spots- but the bottom line is it's put up or shut up time for this team. It's time for them to act like a first place team. Last week, I wrote how I saw some chemistry coming and I had confidence in this team. I've lost it quickly, which stinks. I just don't like when we throw wins away like they did last night. In any event, I digress, and I'll also single out LoDuca for coming up limp last night. Moving on.