Johnny Cueto did not have a very good game today, perhaps the worst of his professional career. Cueto generally throws strikes and a whole lot of them. Today, that was not the case as the Dominican Sensation threw 18 strikes and 23 balls during the first inning that he didn’t even make it out of.
Two-thirds of an inning, 3 hits allowed including a 3-run HR, 5 walks and no strikeouts led to a first inning exit for Cueto. Every year pitchers go through a ‘dead arm’ period in spring training as they try to get their pitch counts up and generally it happens a little sooner than now, but I hope that is what is going on with Cueto. That type of game is nothing close to what we have seen from Cueto in his career as a minor leaguer.
It does open up the question of ‘Does this re-open competition for the rotation’? You have to assume that Harang-Arroyo-Fogg-Volquez are in there. That leaves up Cueto, Bailey and Belisle shooting for that final spot. Belisle and Bailey have had their share of struggles in spring while Cueto has been lights out up until today, but today was really ugly.
I think the spot is still Cueto’s to lose and he will get another start before the season begins to show that this was just a blip on the radar. If he struggles again though, I would not be surprised to see Belisle or even Bailey (if he has another good outing) take that final spot of the rotation and have Cueto head to Louisville. That said, I figure its just a blip on the radar and Cueto comes out next time and puts it to rest and locks up that spot in the rotation, wherever he ends up at 3-5.
Sunday, 23. March 2008
Little disappointed in this post. The kid either has it or he doesn’t and one bad start is not going to change it. If you thought he was in, stand with that. Cueto’s in.
Sunday, 23. March 2008
I am all for him being in, but if he has another clunker its going to bring up some questions as hitters are getting closer to regular season.
Like I said, I figure he goes out there and shows its just a blip on the radar but if he goes out there and struggles big time again, its going to be a real interesting decision to see what happens.
Sunday, 23. March 2008
I wouldn’t call Bailey’s start good. It was mediocre at best. If I remember correctly, he didn’t even strike out anyone.
Sunday, 23. March 2008
He allowed 5 base runners in 4 innings. Thats a 1.25 WHIP. All season long and you are a very good #2 pitcher if not better. Obviously you want to see strikeouts, but every game isn’t going to have a guy getting 7 K’s.
Monday, 24. March 2008
Reliability is everything and I still think Cueto is more reliable than the others. Every start is a new piece of information, so I agree with you that if Cueto really struggles again, the Reds should reassess the situation, as he’s young. I think it’s an aberration though.
Monday, 24. March 2008
Yeah, I figure Cueto comes out next game and throws up 5 or 6 innings of 1 run baseball.
Monday, 24. March 2008
I love Cueto but it’s important here to do what will be best for his development. If he has a bad start in his next outing, I think you do him a favor by taking a little of the pressure off–Louisville. Same for Bailey. If Belisle is all right, there’s nothing wrong with coming north with Harang, Arroyo, Volquez, Fogg, and Belisle, especially as you only really need 4 and a half for the first several weeks.
Tuesday, 25. March 2008
I have to go with my gut feeling and say its just a dead arm phase. It happens to a lot of players. I think he will be fine.