Milwaukee Brewers’ John Axford expected to shine – MLB News
The Milwaukee Brewers’ team manager Ron Roenicke has expressed his confidence in John Axford, the closer embellishing the team’s record this season with his outstanding performance.
Brewers are having considerable difficulty maintaining their grip on the Division this time. Axford has nonetheless been key to bring about some victories which would otherwise be difficult.
However, there has been some downslide this time witnessed in Axford's performance in recent days. That is a little worrying not only for the team, but the player himself.
With such performance, there is a predominant likelihood of being scrutinised and criticised. That is what has been the fate of the player lately. Axford’s being out of form does not come as a good omen for an already struggling team.
Roenicke’s statement came at a time when Axford has had a tough time converting the save opportunities. He currently has a record of 2-5 with 4.86 ERA, raising serious questions over the closer’s ability to bestow wins over the team.
However, the team manager is not solely looking at this sharp slump. It remains a fact that of the 19 save opportunities, Axford has managed to convert no less than 14 of them, striking a patently positive note.
That fact is not lost to anyone. Not to the team manager at least who thinks Axford has the same confidence that he had exhibited the past year when it came to save opportunities.
"I think when he gets on the mound that same confidence that he had last year is not there now," Roenicke said. "It can't be. But he's still very confident in what he does. He still believes that when he comes out there and there's a save situation, he's going to get the job done."
All said, Roenicke does not however, want to turn a blind eye to the vulnerabilities and weaknesses that are currently evident. The team manager, having known well the challenges ahead, maintains that the closer has to come out strong and put in a good performance for the team.
Roenicke said, "But he needs to string together a few really good outings in a row to get that same confidence that he had last year. I think right now, in this series, we're still looking at 'Ax.' That can change. We really haven't talked about that changing yet."
Given the record of Axford, the consistency he had maintained and the fact that the team had made its way into the postseason games, he has the capability to turn the tide very easily.
That is what keeps the defence going. In the days to come, Axford will have a huge responsibility on his shoulders to facilitate team victories whenever and wherever they are required.
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