Panic Button Protocols moving forward

Written by Mike Mariano | 10 April 2010

Do you think I can let Benny come into my house and dump Mets related thoughts upon our loyal readers without retaliation?  No way.  I'm going to actually put together an idea and give you a thinking point for the day.  Wow, I know.  That never happens around here, but we'll keep that between us.  Moving on...

Let's talk quickly about the panic button.  Not so much on a team-wide level, but more in terms of individuals and lineup mainstays.  In a perfect world, all the starters contribute and you don't have to wonder if the starting infielder developed a drinking problem (Pat Burrell 'most of his career) or if they'll ever get out of their slump (Jimmy Rollins '09) or if they just flat out stink (Most Phillies 3B 'post Schmidt).  So there is definitely reason to believe 2010 could be just another year with struggling players and the debate of how to deal with them.

Last season, Charlie Manuel did an exceptional job of managing Jimmy Rollins and his historic struggles at the plate.  For a while, he let him be, let him work it out on his own.  He sat him eventually, and worked him in different spots all over the lineup.  Uncle Cha(h)lie is known as a players coach and manages a dynamic Phillies clubhouse exceptionally well, so it came as no surprise that he kept the Rollins situation under control.  That however, has nothing to do with fan reaction, which was quick to draw and very loud (with boos of course) as the season moved on and the slumping continued.

So what were here to discuss is -- when is it ok the hit the panic button (as a fan) on a slumping starter?  The season is only four games in, please don't think I want to hit it now.  We're just talking about protocol for the road ahead.  Should Shane Victorino (okay, he hit a bomb today) or Raul Ibanez extend their struggle of these four games indefinitely, what's the fan-plan?

Initially, it's the waiting game -- of course.  If a guy plays well enough to earn a starter's role, then he deserves an extended period of time at the position.  No questions asked (trademark: Shane Victorino), if you've come through the winter and spring as a starter, you get a certain amount of time to do your thing.  Some guys obviously get long leashes -- Chase Utley compared to say Carlos Ruiz -- but nonetheless, everyone gets guaranteed time.  I think for any starter you get through the month of April regardless of the numbers you're putting up.  That month is yours to play out no matter what.  Obviously a day or two of rest or to clear your head is acceptable, however it's still your role to lose.

Then solidified starters -- Victorino's, mid-rotation pitchers, Polanco's -- get the next full month as well.  And your stars, captains, and aces get another full month on top of that, maybe more.  When you get into the double or triple month slump, then it's time for the phantom injury time off, but that's a story for another day.  Brad Lidge was in that category last year, but I didn't need to tell you that.

As for booing struggling starters (I mean, this is Philly, we've got to discuss it) I think it should be avoided entirely, except for two conditions.  One, massive, massive slumping of at least two to three month proportion and definitely below the mendoza line.  Two, the guy is a complete and utter asshole, namely to the fans.  In both of those cases, boo away.  Otherwise, bite your tongue and hope that your guy will find his way again.  Booing is only going to make things worse.  But, this is Philly -- all bets are off.