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
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.
ReplyDeleteHe'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.
ReplyDeleteIt 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?
ReplyDeleteBarry,
ReplyDeleteIt'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,
ReplyDeleteI think the certainty when he is going to throw and pitch as a starter would help keep him healthy.
Caputo
Andrew M. Fanco,
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteBut 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?