Word On The Street

 

No Laffey Matter
Aaron Laffey’s debut on Monday against the Yankees was impressive. You might look at his line of 5.2 IP, 3 H,4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K and think otherwise, but he was the victim of some bad luck and lethargic defense. It should be noted he had a no-hitter for five innings (on a mere 63 pitchers), as he attacked the strike zone, threw inside and seemed fearless while facing the Yankee hitters. Against the Royals on Sunday, it was more of the same (7 IP, 4H, 0 ER, 2BB, 5 K). He lost to Gil Meche on an unearned run, a product of more bad defense. However, Laffey didn’tallow a hit until Miguel Olivo singled with two outs in the fifth and he threw 70 of his 103 pitches for strikes. He looked fantastic in both outings and, if by chance his bad-luck record makes him available in your league as a free agent or via trade, I’d pull the trigger. He’s filling in for Westbrook, who is out for a few more weeks, but also recall that Francisco Carmona was yanked back and forth for a while last year before the Indians realized his value in their rotation. 

Deep Keep
It’s hard for most to get excited about a sixteen-year old pitching prospect, but a Dominican right-handed pitcher by the name of Michael Inoa (aka: Micheal and Michel) might be the exception. Dubbed the next Francisco Liriano, Inoa reportedly has more than twelve MLB teams vying to sign him. When you get past the bravado you’ll discover he’s 6-foot-7, 200-pounds and is already throwing a 94 mph fastball, again, at the age of sixteen.  Scouts say he “creates easy velocity through relatively sound mechanics. He possesses a 91-94 mph fastball, a breaking ball and a splitter.” I also uncovered this intriguing scouting report: “For as big as he is, you’d expect him not to be able to repeat as well as he does. But he stays within himself and once he grows more into that frame, you’ll see that velocity start to climb…and that’s a scary thing.”

Game Within The Game
As fantasy owners, we all love when the hot prospect gets called up to the bigs. However, as a baseball fan, how great is it to see the crafty veteran school a rookie? Last week, in his second game after his callup, Wladimir Balentien faced Paul Byrd. The old man struck out the kid all three times he faced him, getting him swinging twice and making him look silly in each at bat.

Game Within The Game II
On the other side of the coin, Jeff Clement, also in his second game, fouled out and grounded out in his first two at bats. However, in his third appearance at the plate, he battled Byrd for eight pitches, ultimately getting the walk. Why is that significant? It was Byrd’s first walk issued in 109 batters faced. 

Everyday J.J.
J.J. Putz was one of the best stories during the 2006 season, in reality and fantasy. Prior to that season, he was always effective reliever, relying on a stellar fastball to get hitters out.  What made him The Man though, that season and beyond, was his splitter. Prior to 2006, it was a serviceable pitch, until Everyday Eddie Guardado suggested J.J. alter his grip. Putz listened and according to him, “The first throw I made with the new grip fell off the table and just knew we had something.” I love that story. Wish I had heard it about a week prior to Putz’s breakout instead of two-and-a-half years later, but a great story none-the-less. 

Vision Statement
It’s been reported Phil Hughes will be wearing glasses when he returns to the mound to help dull the glare of the lights during nightgames. Hughes said he had trouble seeing the catcher’s signs and is “slightly nearsighted.” He commented, “When I looked through the prescription, it made a pretty big difference.” Wonder if that eye chart read:  T I N S T A A P P 

Some Things Never Change
Watched Chris Shelton in his second game after getting called up by the Texas Rangers. Shelton homered in the game, but that’s also his only hit after 13 at bats. It’s a tiny sample size, but in 48 AB at AAA Oklahoma, Shelton was hitting .354 with 3 HRs, 18 RBI, a .429 OBP and .625 SLG, so I guess I expected more. Truth be told, I still do and will continue watching. 

Three Days, Two Innings
Also watched Nick Adenhart’s debut on Thursday, which lasted only two innings, and was of course not impressed. Granted he was pitching on three days rest, which definitely makes this week’s start against the Royals worth watching. 

Say It Ain’t So
I reside in Los Angeles, but I do not root for any of the local teams.  However, I always go out of my way to watch the Dodgers because of Vin Scully, announcer extraordinaire. Last week Vin hinted about retiring and whenever that occurs it will be one very sad day. If you’ve enjoyed the Vin Scully experience, you know what I’m rambling on about. If not, do yourself a favor and experience it ASAP. If you have a friend in the LA area, ask them to tape a Dodger game this season, maybe when they are playing your favorite team. Hell, tell them to just tape any game. Trust me, it will be something you cherish long after Vin has hung it up. 

In Every League There’s That One Guy
I am certain if Monday’s Arizona Diamondback’s game was on National TV, 99% of Fantasy Nation would be watching. The other 1%, when asked why they were not watching, would probably respond, “Who is this Max Scherzer?” 

What You Should Be Watching This Week:
Aaron Laffey, Nick Adenhart, Kei Igawa
Nick Johnson, Chris Shelton, Dallas McPherson
Franklin Gutierrez, Ben Francisco, Fernando Perez
Phillies at Diamondbacks, Yankees at Tigers, Diamondbacks at Cubs

 Major League Words of Wisdom: What the Braves got here is a failure to communicate.

  Phil Brody resides in Los Angeles, California. He works as a freelance writer and director. In his spare time, he devours everything baseball. He can be reached at:  philbrody@earthlink.net  

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