After placed on the 40 man roster, a player gets 3 years of options. This is Carlos's 4th year since last year was spent on the 60 day DL and did not count. Carlos can be called up and sent down as many times as Gerry deems fit this season.
So Fernandez should start since he can't get anybody out? Forgive me if I don't follow the logic. I always thought a starter was more important than a reliever. How often are guys put into the bullpen because they only have one real pitch or get figured out after the first time through the order?
They key with one-pitch Jared is his control. Its much easier for a pitcher to spend 2 or 3 days preparing for a start that they definitely know is going to happen... rather than having to warm up in the bullpen in a split-second and come in throwing strikes. With Jared, fatigue is not an issue, so his stuff is pretty much the same from the 1st inning onwards... thus, if he has his control behind him, he can be very effective. As far as hitters "figuring out" the knuckler, you'll hear varying sides to this. Some guys just won't be able to hit it without drastically changing their swings, which could effect them in subsequent AB's against other pitchers. Also, its KEY that Jared be able to throw strikes with his "fastball" to keep hitters off-balance. Knucklers need that other pitch just as much as any other pitcher does. Agreed... if Jared throws nothing but knucklers, he'll eventually get shelled. One thing to worry about tonights game: The Cardinals JUST FACED a knuckler on Saturday night... Steve Sparks... and rocked him pretty good. Sparks has had a long career, indicating he's had control of that pitch for awhile... and St. Louis still jumped all over him. That's scary, when you consider that Jared neither has the experience, nor the track-record, of mastering this pitch in the big leagues. Lets hope after 5 innings, we're still in the game... and I'll take my chances with a tiring Woody, and their patchwork bullpen.
You know, I really wasn't going to say anything till about after 5 average starts, but I really couldn't resist when I heard this news. No, I didn't think he would get hurt, and I don't take credit in telling you guys he would get hurt. I don't take pleasure in seeing him hurt. You guys seem to think I'm just hating on the Astros and the truth is I've always thought this guy was an overrated pitcher looking great because he was on a great team since he got his first World Series Ring. Its like people who think Mike Bibby's a great player, its a joke. He was the last free agent pitcher I wanted to see the Astros bring in here, and quite frankly I have no faith in him bringing what you guys think he's going to bring.
In his career, Pettitte has had this very same injury twice before this. Each time it was in April, and each time he came back to have a strong season. The last time it happened was last year (23 wins). Rest easy my fellow BBSers.
