wondering the same thing . They have France starting for sugarland and Blanco for the Astros. The only thing I can think of is they prefer France to pitch against MLB players for a bigger challenge ?
Blanco has done a lot of damage with his curve tonight which was a pitch he hardly used last season. His changeup has also looked sharp this spring.
Yep, it was just to get his pitches in since this is the last spring training game. France will be in the major league rotation, we just aren't sure whether he will be the #4, #5, or #6 (assuming we go with the 6-man rotation). Based on how Blanco has looked this spring, I wouldn't be surprised if he pitched the final game of the Yankees series on Sunday and then France starts the first Blue Jays game on Monday. After that is where it gets interesting whether Bielak starts or he is left in bullpen for a middle relief role.
I think several things led to his downfall. First, I think the injuries were legitimate, but I also think the time missed meant he was out of shape and not diligent in perfecting his craft. I also think the injury was an excuse for Biggio to get Melusky out of town. Biggio wanted Ausmus, and he was VERY vocal about how he felt about Melusky. So Melusky went to Detroit for Ausmus. My understanding was that Melusky wasn’t someone that did anything everything he could to stay in the game - same with Redding… who is probably the worst player I can think of when it comes to actual conflicts with players and coaches… Redding told him manager and pitching coach to **** off in one season- which is rarified air… even Carl Everett and Aaron Hernandez didn’t do that.
I completely agree. They have worked on his contact rate and he has kept some of his power. I don’t know if it will happen - but there is a route for him to be pretty good.
I think between the two Blanco is the one I would prefer to be still in the rotation by September. At least he appears to have genuine MLB stuff and possibly able to strike MLB players out. To me France is just Brandon Bielak with a mustache.