Don't you guys think that he's been attempting to prepare himself as a starter so far? I mean, every team has got to have tried to get him to that point.
I personnally dont think so at all...
stats
In 2004, 2005 he started zero games, and im sure before 2006, he expected to do the same, as he was still with oakland. They had no interest in making him a starter.
Quote:
Also, with regards to low innings pitched, he only averaged 5.7, right?
Yes, this is true, but he has still averaged around 90 pitches a start in his career... i think its more about efficiency...
#P/IP = 17
#P/PA = 3.93
can be improved...
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i'd rather build his arm up this offseason for starting, start him, and THEN trade him halfway through the year.
I think this is the best route... just my armchair opinion...
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 1871
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 11:46 am Post subject:
Cruz in '06 had a lot in common with Batista and Vargas. When they were good, they were GOOD, and when they weren't good, they were AWFUL.
That being said, when he's on, Cruz certainly does appear to have good stuff. So, if it were up to me, I'd say, commit to him being a starter, and encourage him to work on the strength/stamina issues, in the hope that he might be able to go a bit deeper into games. Give him a shot at it; and then, if he's faltering, make the decision to go with him as a middle reliever, or trade him.
One defect in the "use him as a middle reliever" argument is that Melvin doesn't appear to know how to use a relief pitcher who goes more than an inning or so. Once Cruz was moved to the bullpen, his outings were essentially all one inning; followed by an inning of Julio or Vizcaino; followed by an inning of Valverde... IIRC, a "middle reliever" is a guy you look to for two-to-three innings of relief work...
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Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 3242
Location: In front of my computer
Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 11:55 am Post subject:
Quote:
Also, with regards to low innings pitched, he only averaged 5.7, right? Well maybe they were protecting him, maybe that's all he could get through.
In 2001 Webb averaged 5.79 IP per start , and in 2002 he averaged 6 IP per start.
As I said, starting pitchers in the minors are usually protected somewhat, and a minor league starter that averages over 6 IP per start are in the minority.
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 1555
Location: clawing my eyes out, praying for sleep. booyah.
Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 11:55 am Post subject:
if he isn't turned into a starter, i vote closer. yeah, there's the control issues, but it isn't as if we're going to the WS next season. and if he's successful, closers are a hot commodity -- especially young ones with stellar stuff.
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Hank, you're dead to me.
Why not split each start between Cruz & Vargas <or Lyon or Ed Gonz>, and go with 6 SP over a 5 day rotation?
With multi-position utility players like Hammock & Callaspo and pitchers like EnGonz & Hernandez to use as PH's on the long games, we should have the flexibility.
I wouldn't mind it if we got 4 established starters and did a "starter by committee" every 5th day. Or at least have the option of running prospects out there to start or provide help in the pen.
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