Well, it has come to this. For the last two months, our bullpen pitchers have been giving us their very best for a shot at being the BULLPEN IDOL. Each week, we've voted one pitcher out of the bullpen, and now there are only two left. Who will it be? Plucky outsider Juan Rincon (8-3, 1.84 ERA)? Or self-assured favorite Joe Nathan (1-0, 23 saves, 1.13 ERA). It is up to YOU, dearest BatLings, to decide.
Should you need some guidance in your voting please look at some of the encomiums submitted by members of Batgirl's loyal and talented readership. Here, for example, in defense of Boo, is She-Ra, P.O.P:
No one can deny the awesomeness that is Joe Cool Nathan. But who can resist the adorable affability of the boy named Boo?
Knock, knock!
Who's there?
Boo!
Boo who?
"Oh, just me, it's really Juan, I don't know why they call me Boo. Hey nice to meet you, have you met the rest of my team, really they're great guys, now can you please swing at this? And this one? And this? Oh, it was nice meeting you, but you know, just doing my job, have a nice day!"
And Wonder Woman:
1- I've never seen an apparition - pitch so well -he's got some mighty righteous stuff!
2- He's on my 6 foot and under All-Star team - those little guys can really pack a punch
3 - He's just adorable - and he can fit into one of my purses!
And Boo himself:
I've pitched my little heart out all season, but I guess I wasn't good enough to be an All-Star. Joe is an All-Star. :*( Life is not fair. If I could only be Bullpen Idol, I may be able to keep my chin up. But right now, I wish I could just fly away. :*( Please help me.
And in Chocula's Corner, we have Florida:
If we look at save statistics, Nathan may not seem any better than Eddie. You have to look beyond the numbers. My ninth inning anxiety has been lowered tremendously since Nathan took te job. He's been steady and reliable. He combines the mental ability to close games with the talent to throw 1-2-3 innings. Vote Joe Nathan for BULLPEN IDOL.
And Al:
If you added all the closers in baseball, yes even Greg Gagne's little brother with the Dodgers,it would still be Joe.Juan is an honorable man, and should swell with pride at his second place finish.
And musically, bubblemint..sung to the tune of "Wonderful Tonight."
It's late in the game now...
There's only a one run lead...
He calls to the bullpen...
He says "You know who we need"...Then Rick Stelmaszek...
Leans out to his right...
He says "Joe Nathan,"...
"You must save this game tonight"...As Joe starts to warm up...
Boo Rincon's on the mound...
He's facing the Bitch Sox...
And he mows them all down...Back in the bullpen...
Smiling with delight...
Boo says to Nathan...
"You must save this game tonight...""I will go out there, and do my best, to win it for our team.
For I feel that...these Twins fans...deserve it so much more than fans in San Francisco..."The end of the the ninth now...
And Joe's on the mound once more...
He gives up a walk, then...
The next three are done for...And all the Twins fans...
Cheer with all their might...
They shout...
"Joe Nathan you were wonderful tonight...
"Yes Joe Nathan, you were wonderful tonight..."
(Why does Batgirl keep calling these guys cereal mascots? Readers, look for yourselves!)
Voting will close Thursday night, after the game.
Posted by Batgirl at July 13, 2004 09:51 PM