Today I focus entirely on the pitching staff. When healthy, we have arguably one of the best rotations in the American League, thanks in fact to the Yankee fans for harassing Cliff Lee's wife, and Andy Pettitte's inevitable lean towards retirement. However, in order to fulfill our great on paper rotation, a couple of things need to happen.
Primarily, we need to see Jake Peavy humble his bull-dog attitude for a few months, get entirely healthy, and perform to at least the ghost of his 2007 season at which he won the NL Cy Young award. He's got the type of stuff to stop losing streaks and quite frankly, embarrass the best of opposing hitters.
Next, the West German native Edwin Jackson needs to remain effective despite his fly ball tendencies in the launch pad that is U.S. Cellular field. Don Coopers catch of the flaw in Jackson's mechanics was fundamental to his success in the latter part of the season. His strike out to walk ratio in Arizona wasn't even 2-1, but upon his arrival in the White City, it rose to above a staggering 3-1. Sure he'll give up hits and the frequent moon shot, but striking people out instead of walking them at a rate like that will assure his continued success.
Lastly, When does the post-perfecto hang over of Mark Buehrle stop being just that and start becoming simply a decline in production? I certainly hope its something that can be addressed in what very well may be Mark's last season with the club. I'd love to see his ERA somewhere around 3.50 again.
If these three things can swing our way, there's no doubt that our pitching staff will give the club a fantastic shot to win each and every day.
"A Bill Heywood must be able to speak his mind."
Happy New Year All.
No comments:
Post a Comment