Jose

Lefty · June 7th, 2003, 03:01 PM

WOW! Jose is awesome. He looks like he has so much confidence. That was the first time in a long time I was not nervous in the 9th inning. I had this feeling Jose was going to strike them out and he did. If he continues to pitch like this I think the Diamondbacks might look to trade Mantei for a big bat. There are many teams out there that need a closer, like Boston, Anaheim, Philadelphia, St. Louis and maybe even Seattle. I would hate to see Matt traded but he has a history of injuries and he has a huge contract. If Jose is the real deal they could get a very good player for Mantei and then they would have more money to sign a major free agent.

Matrix31 · June 7th, 2003, 03:05 PM

he must have a real deceptive delivery. His pitches do have movement but they didnt look like pitches hitters usually take(of course im not standing in the box, and the camera angle isnt good to see movement). However, striking out 3 guys on only two swings means you are doing a lot of things right.

Lefty · June 7th, 2003, 03:19 PM

He is very deceptive. Some of his fastballs hit 92-93 and then he hits 96. Last week he hit 99.

Stan C · June 7th, 2003, 11:59 PM

I think the dbacks would love to trade Mantei since he has an option for 8 million next year. But I don't think he has looked good enough or healthy enough for any one else to take him. I'd much rather see them trade Matt instead of Schilling for a big bat.
But, although I share your enthusiasm, and I also think Koplove or Prinz could fill the closer role, Jose has only pitched 2 games.

Forrestham · June 8th, 2003, 06:23 AM

I was at the game yesterday and Jose was extremely impressive.
If Mantei can be traded, they should do it. Once again an overpaid player contract has come back to bite them in the butt.
Hopefully at some point he can come back and pitch again so he can get traded.

AzKarl · June 8th, 2003, 07:35 AM

No messing around and no mystery. If he learns how to vary the speed and movement of his fastball and perfects a changeup or off speed pitch he'll be lights out. He's 23 and I love his demeanor and emotion out there.

moviegeekjn · June 8th, 2003, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stan C
But, although I share your enthusiasm, and I also think Koplove or Prinz could fill the closer role, Jose has only pitched 2 games.

2 games at the Major League level.... but Jose has pitched as a closer MANY more times at AAA.

Would expect D'backs to showcase Mantei once he gets off the DL, and depending on circumstances... may well decide to deal him since closers for some contenders will be very much in demand.

Dback Jon · June 9th, 2003, 06:26 AM

If Mantei can get healthy, and if Valverde keeps it up in the mean-time, Matt would be a hot commodity, even with his high salary. Teams that Zona mentioned could afford him (or be desperate enough to take him. Heck, if Rivera goes down again, the Boss might be willing to take him as well

Jose

Now that's a closer