3.71 - 4.42 - 4.42 - 5.79
Those numbers are the combined ERA of the Indians starters for April, May, June, and July respectively, and they show a disturbing downward trend. In 2010 the Indians 4.53 ERA from it's starters was the 2nd worst in the AL, and this years team features essentially the exact same group of arms, with similar results.
Showing posts with label Mitch Talbot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mitch Talbot. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Aaron Laffey Back For The Third Time
For the third time this season Aaron Laffey will be joining the Indians. This time he'll be rejoining the team because Justin Masterson's season will either be over after his start this evening, or shortly thereafter. That and AAA Columbus just finished off their season by winning the Governors Cup, freeing Laffey up to rejoin the big club.
Once considered a long-term part of the back-end of the Indians rotation, Laffey has never managed to stick in the Majors. Quite simply, Laffey walks too many to overcome his inability to miss bats. That hasn't changed and Laffey and at this point, Laffey's long-term potential may be as a lefty specialist, but even in that regard, he isn't very good.
Once considered a long-term part of the back-end of the Indians rotation, Laffey has never managed to stick in the Majors. Quite simply, Laffey walks too many to overcome his inability to miss bats. That hasn't changed and Laffey and at this point, Laffey's long-term potential may be as a lefty specialist, but even in that regard, he isn't very good.
Justin Masterson Making His Final Appearance Of 2010?
The Indians have stated that they'd like to keep Justin Masterson under 180 innings this year. Initially they had implemented their plan to move him to the bullpen a week ago, but after an abbreviated start by Mitch Talbot, they were forced to put Masterson back into the rotation. Tonight he'll take the mound with 173 innings already on the arm, and the Indians are sticking by their desire to limit his innings in a season that has seen him throw 50 more than last year.
Should Masterson throw the seven innings necessary, he'll likely be done for the season. Or, if he doesn't they may send him to the bullpen. That seems like an unnecessary step to me, but it shouldn't make a huge difference one way or another.
Masterson is an intriguing pitcher who has the peripherals to suggest Major league success: a solid strikeout rate (though that took a dip this year), and a very good ground ball rate. He does need to improve his control however, and if he can't he might be a better fit in the bullpen than he is in the rotation. That said, he's posted xFIP marks in the low fours the past two seasons and one way or another, the Indians should give Masterson every opportunity to stick in the rotation.
Should Masterson throw the seven innings necessary, he'll likely be done for the season. Or, if he doesn't they may send him to the bullpen. That seems like an unnecessary step to me, but it shouldn't make a huge difference one way or another.
Masterson is an intriguing pitcher who has the peripherals to suggest Major league success: a solid strikeout rate (though that took a dip this year), and a very good ground ball rate. He does need to improve his control however, and if he can't he might be a better fit in the bullpen than he is in the rotation. That said, he's posted xFIP marks in the low fours the past two seasons and one way or another, the Indians should give Masterson every opportunity to stick in the rotation.
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