Klaw definitely is making a big assumption that McCullers can't improve as a starter but the actually scouting was pretty spot-on. McCullers threw a lot of straight fastballs. It was somewhat reminiscent of watching Folty, only with a much better secondary offering. McCullers labored through his first two innings. He needs to work on changing the eye level so his high fastball gets more whiffs. He also needs to work on a cheap-contact pitch because he had full counts on way too many batters. Can't strike-em all out.
He has to be able to spot the 4 seam fastball, because like you said it's straight. But at least it's heavy straight, that's why he needs the sinker/2 seamer to play in the bottom of the zone. His breaking ball (hard curve? tight slider? Depends on how he grips it that particular pitch, I guess) is an out pitch. The circle change is going to be huge for him to deal with LHB.
Dominant game tonight. Definitely showed how high his ceiling is. I'm certainly more optimistic now that I've seen him becasue a few of my doubts have been erased. For one his repertoire is good enough to be a starter, 4 seam, 2 seam, slider/curve, and a changeup that is improving. Secondly he was still bringing it at 100 pitches. His control is still a concern. Tonight it obviously wasn't an issue, but in his other 3 starts he quickly worked up a huge pitch count by the 4th inning. If he can do like he did tonight and attack the strike zone to get some quick outs he will be a good starter, possibly great.
Not just throw strikes (because his fastball is hittable if its up in the zone)... but locate with precise control.
That he still sees McCullers as a reliever because he does not think he can consistently keep his arm angle for an entire game.
Cosart has scuffled a bit this year. Law doesn't think either won't be good just that he believes both will realize their potential as relievers. Hopefully McCullers will prove him wrong this year. Since he is a starter right now and the Astros are looking the part of contenders for the long haul, is there an innings limit on McCullers this year? Would the Astros ride him through September and October?
McCullers most likely won't have to worry about an innings limit. If the Astros do have him on a pitch limit, they wI'll use the pen to stretch his pitch count to playoffs.
Yep... needs to continue the consistent fastball location. Kirk Saarloos and Taylor Buccholz both threw complete games as rookies as well.
