Another solid start for the Buc's Tom Gorzelanny on Tuesday as he limited the Brewers to 2 runs in 7 IP on 6 hits, 3 walks and 3 K. In Prospect Central a couple of weeks ago I talked about a pitcher who was learning to be effective in the majors without punchout ability, a skill he had in his tool box in the minors. That obviously was in effect yesterday and in 6 starts Tom has had 6 Ks only once. This is a nice rebound from his last outing vs. the Reds, his only bad outing of the year. He improves to 4-1 with a 2.97 ERA. The Cubs will be next in Chicago.
David Bush fell prey to the big inning again last night against the Pirates. He had all allowed just one runner past second base in the first six innings prior to a 4-run 7th. He wasn't exactly victimized however as he gave up two doubles and two homeruns in the inning. Dave finished the 7th but threw 111 pitches in the outing as he fell to 2-3 with a 6.03 ERA. So far this year opponents have a .316 OBA in pitches 76-90 of David's outings, and .357 from 91-105 (and .750 in 4 ABs from 106-120). That doesn't match with his history over the last couple of seasons, so perhaps there's a conditioning issue at this point. Keep in mind however that his 210 IP last year was by far a career high … I'm just saying … The Nationals are next in Tuesday, at home, and that should be a favorable start despite his struggles.
"Completely disgusting." That is how Mike Stanton described his outing last night against the Astros. We agree. Mike gave up 3 runs on 3 hits without getting an out. It was his second 3-run outing in his last 4 outings and it ballooned his ERA to 8.22 on the year. He's credited with a blown save and a loss, dropping him to 1-1 on the year. Mike is neither overpowering or mysterious to hitters at this point and he doesn't rate a lineup slot right now.
Wandy Rodriguez pitched well enough to win last night's game against the Reds. He went 7 IP allowing 2 runs on 6 hits without a walk while striking out 8 (1), but he wasn't involved in the decision because Chad Qualls coughed up a 4-2 lead in the 8th. The 8 Ks jumps off of the page at you doesn't it? But Wandy has fanned at least 5 in every start this year and he's whiffed at least 7 in his last three outings. He's posted a 8.7 K/9 and paired it with a tidy 2.1 BB/9. Wandy is getting hit a bit though (.275) which contributes to a mediocre 1.49 WHIP. However, truth be told, 9 of the 29 hits he allowed came in one outing against the Brewers and last night's 6 hits were the most he's allowed in his other 4 starts, all of which were 6 IP or longer. In those other four outings Wandy has given up 20 hits in 27 IP with 5 walks for a 0.92 WHIP. Phil Garner called his outing "outstanding" and we are seeing indicators that tell us that Wandy is in the midst of a performance level jump. If you have spec room on your roster it's time to place the claim and see if this performance upgrade is for real while he sits in your pocket.
