Pitch command and the Brewers

by TigerFanInCleveland on Apr 6, 2007 9:38 PM EDT

Dave Bush gave up 6 ER in the first inning against the Cubs tonight, who were devouring his fastball after it wasn't being set up well by his curve. He has a really great curveball - WHEN he has command of it. Usually takes him 20-30 pitches in a game to get that, which hurts his stats overall. Despite that however, he is a workhorse at the MLB level and at 26 he could still find a way to find command of that curve early. Since the first he's struck out 7 and given up 2 hits.

The Brewers are showing great patience with that early command issue. That makes me wonder how they are handling Gallardo with the stuff he has. Are they helping him develop his command? Does he need it?

I also wonder how they see Will Inman, who does have great command, but of pitches that aren't as effective as Bush's good curveball. Does Inman have Bush's ceiling?

Lastly, what direction do you see the Brewers' pitching staff taking over the next three years? I see a staff of Sheets, Gallardo, Bush, Villanueva and Inman, with Capuano having been dealt at some point to an AL contender.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Response regarding command

Command is, IMO, the biggest element in determining whether or not a pitching prospect can make it in the major leagues. Unfortunately, it's also the hardest element to properly measure, and it's also the hardest to translate from the minors to the majors.

In other words, Gallardo will certainly need it, but on the bright side he's considered to be quite good as far as command goes.

Highly touted pitching prospects who are big on stuff but low on overall command tend to turn into busts, very quickly. Edwin Jackson comes to mind. I think Homer Bailey is a good candidate for the same at the rate he's going, despite the gaudy 2006 numbers.

by mrkupe on Apr 6, 2007 9:50 PM EDT reply actions