The news for Hong-Chih Kuo is concerning, as he has landed on the 15-day DL with a bad back and, get this, a case of the "yips." Yes, the yips, which is the same ailment that golfers have when they suddenly can't hit the ball correctly. Bizarre stuff indeed.
Kuo wasn't getting pounded by any means this year, but is clearly not the same pitcher as last season. He's made four appearances for a 3.37 ERA with four walks and four strikeouts. Again, not bad numbers, but we all know how dominant he can be when he's on.
The Dodgers apparently discovered that Kuo wasn't right during fielding practice on Friday. When trying pickoff throws to second, the ball was going all over the place. Then when he tried to warmup during that night's game, he was missing the strike zone with regularity. That was when it was decided to give him rest and recall Ramon Troncoso.
Hopefully some time away from pitching does the trick, because if it doesn't, the Dodgers are weakened automatically if Kuo's not the same. While it's asking way too much to duplicate last season's filthy numbers, he's capable to dominating anyway. Take him out of the equation, and the already struggling Dodgers will have an even harder time closing out games. Let's just hope for the best on this one.
Showing posts with label Troncoso. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Troncoso. Show all posts
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Friday, January 16, 2009
The 5th starter could be... Troncoso?
Here's a name that I don't think anyone would have guessed for a starting rotation spot - Ramon Troncoso. That's the talk as the Dodgers still haven't signed another starting pitcher to fill that spot.
Other than the fact that the Dodgers haven't acquired anyone yet, the main reason for the change would be the club's desire to keep James McDonald in relief. McDonald's relief stint during the postseason was so good, they figure they won't mess with it. He's an exciting young pitcher, so his time as a starter may one day come anyway.
As for Troncoso, he pretty much came out of nowhere last year to make the team's roster out of Spring Training. In 2 Major League stints, he posted a 4.26 ERA with 38 K's in 38 IP. As a rookie, I thought he was pretty good. Definitely can improve, but he will be only 26 once the season starts.
This could all be just talk, so who knows what will happen. But they are making him start in winter ball, as he's done so 4 times, going as long as 5 innings. Seems like they are preparing themselves for it to happen.
It's hard to say what to expect from this, so stay tuned.
Other than the fact that the Dodgers haven't acquired anyone yet, the main reason for the change would be the club's desire to keep James McDonald in relief. McDonald's relief stint during the postseason was so good, they figure they won't mess with it. He's an exciting young pitcher, so his time as a starter may one day come anyway.
As for Troncoso, he pretty much came out of nowhere last year to make the team's roster out of Spring Training. In 2 Major League stints, he posted a 4.26 ERA with 38 K's in 38 IP. As a rookie, I thought he was pretty good. Definitely can improve, but he will be only 26 once the season starts.
This could all be just talk, so who knows what will happen. But they are making him start in winter ball, as he's done so 4 times, going as long as 5 innings. Seems like they are preparing themselves for it to happen.
It's hard to say what to expect from this, so stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
With Nomar back, Troncoso optioned
I speculated on who would be sent down once Nomar Garciaparra was activated earlier today. And the winner (well, loser) is... Ramon Troncoso.
He was one of the few guys I mentioned, and his 9.53 ERA was most likely the deciding factor in the end. It's certainly not the end of the line for him, as he's only 25. He pitched scoreless ball in his first 4 appearances covering 3.2 innings, but was roughed up for 6 runs in his last 2 innings.
It's not like Triple-A Las Vegas is the best place to improve your numbers pitching, but with the Dodgers crazy injury history, if he can prove he can keep the ball down and get outs, he'll be back.
He was one of the few guys I mentioned, and his 9.53 ERA was most likely the deciding factor in the end. It's certainly not the end of the line for him, as he's only 25. He pitched scoreless ball in his first 4 appearances covering 3.2 innings, but was roughed up for 6 runs in his last 2 innings.
It's not like Triple-A Las Vegas is the best place to improve your numbers pitching, but with the Dodgers crazy injury history, if he can prove he can keep the ball down and get outs, he'll be back.
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