Post by hammerhead on May 23, 2013 7:15:08 GMT -5
"What hits really count? It seems that they don't count unless the pitcher is a prospect. "
Where did I say they don't count? There's no need to be obtuse or rude.
Many prospects can hit well at AA/AAA and stall out at the majors, in large part because the depth of quality pitchers just isn't there. There's 150 SPs in AA, what is the MLB SP turnover? 20% of that? You can hit .275 at AA without having much success against any future MLB starters.
So yes, I'm not as impressed when a prospect goes 4-4 against an 89 MPH straight fastball and a curveball with no break, as I am against pitchers with MLB quality stuff. It's a great night for CV, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do Thurs/Fri. Nowhere did I discount Vazquez's success, but I do think it's important.
I suppose you think Tim Federowicz is going to be an All-Star catcher because he had a .936 OPS at AAA?
I think you need to watch more AA games, even the journeyman pitchers have better stuff than you are giving them credit for. Most AA pitchers have at least 1 plus pitch. Some of the ones that are stalled have heat, but can't control it, or throw a great curveball, but the fastball isn't there etc. etc. etc. they are flawed, but they have enough talent to survive on a AA roster (meaning more advanced then low A and High A).
4 for 4 with 2 doubles, a HR and a 3B is a great game for a 22 year old in AA no matter what the quality of the arm they are facing is. It doesn't reduce the accomplishment that the pitcher wasn't on some teams top 10 list. Especially considering that it came from one of the Eastern leagues best defensive players at his position.
Not to mention these same crappy pitchers managed to shut down everyone in the Portland line-up save for Shannon Wilkerson. That includes some pretty decent hitters like Xander, Shaw and Almanzr.