I definitely think that Wes Johnson quitting mid season had an adverse effect on the pitching staff. I doubt that Baldelli, the FO, or any of the pitchers, would admit to that though. How much of an effect, and exactly what it was...I'm not smart enough to discern. There was a difference. Even though Maki was there and probably aware of everything that was taking place with the staff, there absolutely was a decline in performance. My opinion is, they should go outside the organization for a new pitching coach, instead of Maki. That won't happen of course. If Maki remains the pitching coach, it'll be very interesting to see what the staff does in 2023. Let's hope for the best.