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Why Rick Porcello was so much better Wednesday against Seattle
Rick Porcello pitching well in Seattle was easily the best part of that series for the Tigers. He worked his two-seam fastball (sinking) with his four-seam fastball (straight with more velocity) like he did as a rookie in 2009 when he won 14 games.
Changing the eye level consistently for the hitters was a key. He was pitching down in the strike zone during his first couple starts, but his two-seamer lacked bite. Hitters were diving out over the plate and hitting his two-seamer. Also, Porcello commanded the ball well in Seattle.
Random Thoughts
- The Tigers are ahead of the White Sox and Twins in the American League Central standings, with a West Coast road swing and a trip to New York out of the way.
Considering the way they have played, which frankly isn't very well, they are in pretty good shape.
- We'll know more about whether Cleveland is that good or Minnesota that bad this weekend when the Tribe visit the Twins.
- Jose Valverde is throwing the ball exceptionally well. The Tigers have one of the best back ends of the bullpen in baseball with Valverde and Joaquin Benoit. It's important Ryan Perry comes through like he did Wednesday so the Tigers can get there.
Changing the eye level consistently for the hitters was a key. He was pitching down in the strike zone during his first couple starts, but his two-seamer lacked bite. Hitters were diving out over the plate and hitting his two-seamer. Also, Porcello commanded the ball well in Seattle.
Random Thoughts
- The Tigers are ahead of the White Sox and Twins in the American League Central standings, with a West Coast road swing and a trip to New York out of the way.
Considering the way they have played, which frankly isn't very well, they are in pretty good shape.
- We'll know more about whether Cleveland is that good or Minnesota that bad this weekend when the Tribe visit the Twins.
- Jose Valverde is throwing the ball exceptionally well. The Tigers have one of the best back ends of the bullpen in baseball with Valverde and Joaquin Benoit. It's important Ryan Perry comes through like he did Wednesday so the Tigers can get there.
Labels: Rick Porcello Jose Valverde Joaquin Benoit Ryan Perry Tigers
posted by Pat Caputo at
10:38 AM
4 Comments:
nice performance by porcello...the lineup against him was one of the weakest he'll face in the AL, however. milton bradley is the most potent bat on that roster and he sat the bench until the 9th.
there have been stories this spring about how some top pitchers continue to develop their arsenal to keep hitter off balance. josh johnson in florida starting to add a curveball, brian wilson in sf with a new 2 seamer.
some starters can make a career with a super sinker, but on those days when he doesn't have the feel for it, he's got to have another out pitch. for porcello, like most promising young pitchers, developing the secondary stuff is what elevates their game.
With Martinez on the DL and so few good bats in the lineup I think we should move Cabrera up to the 3 spot for the time being. Here's the lineup I propose for now:
1. Santiago 2B
2. Magglio DH
3. Cabrera 1B
4. Boesch RF
5. Raburn LF
6. Avila C
7. Peralta SS
8. Inge 3B
9. Jackson CF
Woody,
Good point about Seattle. Tough park to hit in, as well. But it wasn't just the results, but the way he threw the ball.
Caputo
Michael C,
I like your lineup better than the one they have been using.
Caputo
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