The problem with Neftali Feliz

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The boy ain't right

Four months of the 2011 MLB season has brought a lot of theories about what is wrong with Neftali Feliz.

It's been clear that something wasn't and isn't right. Many thought it was maybe focus. Some thought it was physical. Maybe yanking him around the rotation and bullpen in Spring Training messed with his head. Maybe he's being misused. Others think that Feliz needs the high-pressure situations to put his head right.

Nolan Ryan and Ron Washington think that its drive. And they would know.

This, from the Express:

"His body language isn't good. It's bothering me. He just seems too lackadaisical. He doesn't look like he's into his role."

Yikes.

Said Wash:

"I just don't see urgency. I just don't see it. I'm not saying it's not there, maybe he's dealing with it in a different manner, but he's not exuding urgency. Maybe that's just his demeanor."

Fact is, Wash, this is his third season in the Majors. If you can't read his "demeanor" now, you aren't ever. It's not a knock on Wash. I think the skipper's as perplexed as anyone. These guys are trying to look their closer in the eye and they're apparently seeing blankness and a total lack of urgency or energy.

I think the argument that Feliz is being misused is a good one. Washington's not been the greatest at managing the bullpen. Why he was pitching in the blowout Monday night is a complete mystery. Then you haul him into Tuesday's game and he blows it.

It's not all mismanagement and Washington. The most alarming stat are the strikeouts. Or lack thereof.

He has just 26 strikeouts in 37.2 innings. He's not hitting 100 mph as much as he did a year ago, but he's still hitting upper-90s regularly and you can strike people out with slower stuff. You've just got to be smarter.

Feliz is not missing bats. I'd be unable and unwilling to count the number of foul balls opponents have worked off Feliz. The quick nine-pitch innings are long gone. There's no off-speed stuff and the hitters are just sitting on the fastball.

If you seen Feliz, just by his body language (as Nolan stated) you know things aren't right. Well, they need to get there. Quick.

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