heres a little tidbit taken from mlb.com at this article http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASAp...419&content_id=720981&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp
pre- injury you absolutely did not see him struggle. when he came back and tried to give it a go he got hit a bit. if he is now completely healthy and he gets his arm strength what is your problem with us being high on a guy who was a top prospect. if he can keep control and throw around 90-92 he has a nasty curveball.
Little update on Hernandez: From the Chron: http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/2532839 "He's been pitching very well," Astros assistant general manager Tim Purpura said. "You watch him and, like anyone who's been successful in the big leagues, you know why. He knows how to use all his pitches to his advantage. He knows how to go after hitters' weaknesses. "One thing we're working with him now, and it's just going to take some time, is the arm strength. He doesn't have quite the velocity he had previously, and that's going to take time." On his call-in show yesterday, Gerry said that Hernandez is topping out in the mid-80's. I assumed as much since his K numbers are terrible (7 in 15 innings). There's little to no chance he'll be able to pitch in the majors for at least another 10 starts or so, probably more.
To his credit, its not that easy to regain the arm strength... but it WILL most likely happen. The guy hasn't pitched competitively in over a year... in fact, during winter ball, it was just about throwing without pain... not pitching. Now, its finally just about pitching... and thus, his arm is going to be nowhere near where it needs to be. Perfect example of how arm strength is fleeting.... Octavio Dotel. Two weeks ago, he was barely hitting 90 mph. Then he worked overtime in the bullpen, pitched in some blowout games and BAM... this week he's back up to 95-96 mph with some SCARY movement. It will come... give it time.
Yeah, I read about that in the Chronicle...I am excited that Dotel got his velocity back, because you had to wonder if it can,...so if Dotel can make the comeback with work,...I hope Carlos can do it, because I really think he can be a future starter, perhaps next year.
There's a big difference between Dotel and Hernandez, Dotel isn't coming off 2 major arm surgeries. Stat Update: 3-0 1.66 ERA 4 G 21.2 IP 18 H 6 BB 11 K
People make it seem like velocity matters the most. The reason Los' arm strenght is an issue now is mainly centered around avoid further injury and not necessarily being able to get major leaguers out. According to Larry Dierker.....the order of importance of a pitcher's arsenal is; 1. Control 2. Location 3. Velocity Velocity is meant for highlight reels true "pitching" is mainly about location, location and a healthy dose of control. This is where Timothy Redding has failed miserably. Maybe he is hiding an injury but the dude does not inspire confidence at all - he thinks he can get away by his velocity alone.
I just hope that Timothy can make a major turnaround(not likely), If not maybe he can turn into a good bullpen pitcher, like Dotel
My feeling all along is that we'll be seeing Carlos in the 2nd half of the season. The guy does need his velocity back! No matter what you guys think he can't just go out and throw curve balls all day. He needs a fastball to set the curve up. Whatever his control is, he's no Greg Maddox. Bring him up now and MLB hitters will either be waiting on a slow changeup or a slow curveball. He'll get slammed right now!
