(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

A few days ago Kenny Williams explained how making the playoffs this season means more to him than with any other team. He went on to explain that because no one thought he could compete and go young during the same season, a playoff appearance would give him the "I-told-you-so" stump to speak of for the next few years.

But Kenny Williams put together a .500 team—just about what all the analysts said he'd do.

In fact if you look back on the opening day roster Kenny Williams swung and missed in several instances.  Remember Josh Fields, third baseman of the future?  Kenny thought he could help this team win now and in the future. He didn't and won't.

Kenny also told us not to worry about trading away Javy "Little Game" Vazquez, because the combination of Clayton Richard, Jeff Marquez, Bartolo Colon, and Jose Contreras could hold up the back end of the rotation. They didn't.

The two veterans were ineffective at best, and Marquez has yet to throw a pitch in the big leagues. Williams appeared to trade Richard in May and then did so in August, just as the young left hander was starting to win big games.

It's hard to say Williams gave his manager a chance to win when he only gave him three real big league starters.

Kenny Williams left his bullpen largely intact from last year despite the fact that it became very hittable down the stretch last year.  Surprise, surprise, the same thing has happened in 2009.

Sure the emergence of Gordon Beckham and the mediocrity of the division have prevented Williams from looking totally bad.  But this team could still end up well below .500 before it is all over. It could also still win this thing.  If this team misses the post season I will blame Kenny Williams for failing to improve last year's team.

Kenny, you haven't proved anyone wrong.   

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