Re: A Realistic Look at 2011: Part III
posted at 9/4/2011 6:05 AM EDT
In Response to
Re: A Realistic Look at 2011: Part III:
Agreed Harness. I don't think he necessarily is a reliever though, for insurance reasons. He just doesn't have starter level stuff yet. He uses the 4 seamer for more differential from his off speed stuff. He probably never has starter level stuff for a top team like the Sox. He may well be trade bait. My point is that lots of guys here and elsewhere have thrown him on the scrap heap and I think that was premature.
Posted by Boomerangsdotcom
The reason is because as a reliever, he has to refine two pitches.
We both know it takes time for starters to find consistency.
To command 4 pitches while
robotically repeating delivery is the hardest thing for a pitcher to do. It's what separates the money-makers from the journeymen.
I think he's shown the ability to start at higher levels.
2008 at age 21 for Portland: 9-4 2.33 ERA 0.920 WHIP 104 IP 72 H
2009 in Pawtucket: 4-6 3.13 ERA 1.211 WHIP 126 IP 106 H
His progress was interrupted in 2010 due to team need. He's done a nice job in relief this year, and has adopted the mindset as well as can be expected (16 saves).
But now he's in Major League mop-up service, so that alters approach.
I wish they'd just give him another year of starting in AAA and leave him alone.
Then he might get the chance he deserves to prove what he can do.
They way the Sox have used him, it reminds me of how they misused Wake last year. But it's more difficult for a pitcher who has to rely on multiple pitches.
