Milwaukee Brewers John Axford ruminates over the bullpen coach’s dismissal – MLB News
While a lot of introspection is likely to ensue after the Milwaukee Brewers dismissed the bullpen coach Stan Kyles, John Axford on Monday, July 30, said he takes some of the blame for it. Axford, the team’s closer, has recently failed to convert the save opportunities in the team’s favour.
As Kyles coached the bullpen, the Brewers have had some of the tough times this season to utilize the opportunities available to them. For example, in 2012, they have blown up a total of 20 saves, resulting in no less than 26 losses as a whole.
Axford had a key role to play in the team’s success last year, having had 46 saves. But this year, a quick look at the record shows, the Brewers rank last in the Major Leagues in the bullpen with 4.80 ERA.
Thus Kyles' dismissal was probably inevitable. Nevertheless, Axford feels he is partly responsible for whatever has transpired. That is quite understandable given the bullpen’s record last year wherein they seemed virtually unbeatable.
"Once I found out, obviously I take some of the blame for it," Axford said. "It hurts me thinking about it because with the season that we're having down there, something like that doesn't happen. We had an outstanding season last year as a bullpen. Those numbers just weren't reached this year. Obviously the people to blame are the people that are going out there, and nobody feels worse other than us, the guys that are stepping on the mound."
It is now Lee Tunnell, the Milwaukee Brewers’ Minor League pitching coordinator, that will replace Kyles.
Kyles’ dismissal also highlights the fact that the team was considering taking a big decision to deal with the embarrassing situation. The Brewers are fast losing the chance to make it to the playoffs after the recent slump.
Kyles’ was associated with the Brewers for 11 years wherein he remained the bullpen coach for four years. It was in 2009 when Axford had joined the Brewers, which coincided with the arrival of Kyles. With this decision of Kyles’ dismissal, the Brewers will have multiple challenges to deal with in the days to come.
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