Originally Posted by LAS VEGAS DAVE

OK.... besides the obvious responses like "he sucks", he "buckles under pressure" etc etc etc, here are my thoughts....

Many tears ago I asked my buddy Vidro who would he prefer to face, Armando Benitez at close to 100mph or Mariano at 94mph. His reply was quick.... Benitez.

I was told that even though Benitez through very hard, it was as straight as a needle. Mariano's pitches, on the other hand, had so much movement, that is was extremely hard to follow.

Wagner used to be one of those in the 100mph range. Years ago he was able to overpower batters on speed speed and speed. Because of the 100 mph faster and probably a little natural movement that lefties tend to have, he was able to "dominate"

Now in the 92-94 consistent range, his straight fastball has lost effectiveness. His slider is "ineffective" and he has no other "good" pitch to show for. So what happens, batters are sitting on his fastball and whenever he throws a slider and hangs it, it gets hit hard.

Wagner is primarily, a la Perez, a 2 pitch pitcher. Which as a relief pitcher is OK if you have an overpowering fastball or a fastball with movement. Right now he has neither. Considering he usually starts 1-0 on every batter, this doesn't help either as it provides the batter with a better approach at the plate.

Wagner needs to "show" another pitch that he can use as an out pitch. An effective change-up could do the job because I don't think his speed is coming back. Maybe even work on a 2 seamer and/or different grips on the ball. He needs a "rising" or "sinking" fastball, or a "running" fastball and I believe he has neither at the moment. If not, batters will be sitting on his straight fastball or his "lazy" slider.

Having worked with pitchers for many years, as a pitching coach this is what I would be looking at and trying to make an adjustment. I don't think his lack of success is a coincidence... it's a matter of not making the right adjustments.