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I'd Make Joel Zumaya A Starter
Last night, when the Tigers beat the Yankees, I was impressed with Joel Zumaya. Not just his 101 mph fastballs, but the couple off-speed pitches he threw. They were totally knee-buckling.
It's not like he just has the great fastball. He also has a real good feel for pitching, a good breaking ball and an excellent changeup.
Why not make him a starter? It would stretch him out and cultivate him as a total pitcher. And probably help keep him healthy because he would be on regular throwing and pitching schedules.
Transcript of my chat today http://tinyurl.com/2esrhss
It's not like he just has the great fastball. He also has a real good feel for pitching, a good breaking ball and an excellent changeup.
Why not make him a starter? It would stretch him out and cultivate him as a total pitcher. And probably help keep him healthy because he would be on regular throwing and pitching schedules.
Transcript of my chat today http://tinyurl.com/2esrhss
Labels: Joel Zumaya
posted by Pat Caputo at
3:48 PM
7 Comments:
Pat, I would definitely give Zumaya a chance to start because of the reasons you mention and the Tigers have a half dozen relievers that are doing well in the minors. The two young guys are in trouble and the older guys still are not 100% convincing. Even though I think Max pitch in his last start than the stats showed.
He's having his first good season in 4 years and he's been extremely injury prone. I don't see the point of trying to move him to another role when he hasn't even proven he can be reliable year after year in his current role.
It was a different matter in '06, when he looked like a Papelbon type stud that could go either way. Now I'd just be happy with what we can get out of him.
I know they aren't the same pitcher, but I'd be afraid that if Joel started, he would have a season like the fellow who was lights out in the 'pen for the Yanks. I am of course talking about Joba. The Joba as starter experiment was not especially successful, but Joba as a late innings guy is successful. Why mess with success?
Barry,
It's true that the Tigers have a lot more depth in bullpen than with starters. At least currently. Bullpen is pretty deep.
Caputo
Michael C,
I think the certainty when he is going to throw and pitch as a starter would help keep him healthy.
Caputo
Andrew M. Fanco,
I'm not sure, given his extraordinary talent, Zumaya has been all that successful. And he was a terrific starter in the minor leagues.
Caputo
At any other moment in recent Tigers history I would be shaking you to your senses Book.
But given the current situation where the bullpen is starting games anyway - what the hell.
But don't expect Zoom-by-ya to get past the fourth inning - and have guys warmining up in the first.
Just my loonies worth.
PS - (too all Tiger fans) can we start squelching all this nonsense about Boesch as a write in vote for the all star game? Two weeks in the majors and people want to build a statue for him - please. I'm hooked on the guy too, but keep the hype real. Remember Chris Shelton?
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