Feb/103
Spring Breakdown – SP
Posted by: Casey on February 18, 2010.
Spring is officially here, with no real surprises coming out of the first day. As expected, the “shoulder-fatigue” plan was in full force in explaining Davies/Bannister/Meche’s early exits from 2009. In fact, the most surprising news was that Greinke had a couple teeth pulled. I guess no news is good news..
Greinke – The biggest question in my mind is if he can adjust to hitters adjusting to him. I think people put too much weight in people adjusting over the off-season to individual pitchers/hitters they face. During the season, players put plenty of time into studying pitchers, especially Cy-Young’s. I think Greinke will be hard pressed to duplicate a season like he had last year, and I don’t want to put that kind of pressure on him. He does need to take the next step towards consistency season by season and continue to put up quality starts. I had a friend ask me the other day how bad it would have been last year had Greinke not put us on his back, and I told him we might just see exactly that this year. Also, don’t put too much stock in how he does this spring, because last spring he was terrible (perfected his changeup).
Meche – I have never been a very big Meche fan. I think we spent too much money on him and his back provides some serious questions for me. All season in 2009, when he was pitching well it was because his back wasn’t hurting him. Then when he pitched badly, it was because of his back. I get tired of hearing those types of excuses and it gets to a point where he just needs to man up and take the blame for not keeping the ball down. He, of course, reassured the media today by saying he worked 3-4 times a week on back/shoulder strengthening exercises. If he can stay healthy, I look for him to have a typical Meche season (around 4.00 ERA).
Bannister – Bannister went 7-12 last year with a 4.74 ERA and 1.370 WHIP. That of course improved on his terrible 2008 season. He also had some shoulder fatigue towards the end of the year, but also put a lot of work in the offseason on getting stronger. He apparently had two personal trainers, one for general strength and one for shoulder strength. He’s also my favorite to take over the Mark Teahen Show.
Davies – After a promising 2008 season (9-7, 4.06 ERA), Kyle struggled in 2009 like everyone else (aside from Greinke). He posted a 8-9 5.27 ERA and also had a shortened season. He also is said to be 100% for 2010.
Hochevar – With a 6.55 ERA last season (compared to 5.51 in 2008), you start to wonder when he’s going to make his Greinke-like turn, or if he ever will. You hope some of these other young guys step it up soon, and Hochevar might just be one of the guys to do so (he’ll have to do much better than he did last year).
Tejeda – Robinson will have an outside shot of taking a spot in the rotation pending any sign of injuries/fatigue. I think it’s more likely that he takes over a spot for a struggling starter early in the season, if not we’ll see him as a long reliever and he’ll start in spot situations.
Farnsworth – Yes, Kyle Farnsworth is apparently getting a chance as a starter. Bob McClure at his finest. And I have nothing else to say about this.
Stats wise, everyone digressed in 2009 compared to their 2008 season aside from Greinke. If our starters can pull it together and stay healthy, there shouldn’t be any reason why this won’t be an improved unit in 2010.
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