One thing became abundantly clear last night and that was we need to appreciate Billy Wagner. Yeah, we are all well aware of our closer’s faults, but maybe last night was something we needed. It gives us a reality check on how good we actually have it. We all know that when Billy fails, it’s not because of a lack of guts or a lack of heart. He’s a stand-up guy who seems to actually enjoy pressure and he wants the ball in big spots. Well, after reading John Delcos of the Journal latest post the same cannot be said of Duaner Sanchez:

While we (the Beat Reporters) were in with Manuel, (Sanchez) tried to slip away. We got him in the hallway. I don’t even know if he showered…He tried to slip away. He answered questions because he was caught, not because he is stand-up…Then he says he made good pitches, but didn’t get the results. Sorry, you can’t say you make good pitches if you don’t get anybody out…It takes a certain mentality to be a closer, and Sanchez doesn’t have it.

I think Sanchez has shown a lot because he did battle back from a major injury. But, I think this is a sign that he may not have the make-up a closer needs, especially in NY. Hurry back Billy, I know I miss ya.