Kevin Slowey v Andy Sonnanstine revisited.

by hotshotschamp on Sep 11, 2008 5:23 AM EDT Comment 4 comments

I remember this generating a lot of posts last year, and early this year. They are similar pitchers who rely on control, and both had good minor league numbers.

Andy Sonnanstine (13-7)

IP 175

197 hits allowed, 30 bb, 108 k's

4.47 era, 1.3 whip, .285 opponent batting average

Kevin Slowey (12-9)

IP 146 ( missed a little time with injury)

140 hits allowed, 19 bb, 111 k's

3.63 era, 1.09 whip, .250 opponent batting average

It's safe to say that Sloweys numbers across the board in every category except wins have been better, and wins are usually team based. This is not meant to rip Andy Sonnanstine, as I think he's a quality pitcher, and the Drays have had a better year than the twins. I just think Slowey has clearly put himself in a better class than Sonnanstine. His K ratio is marketably better, as is his hits per inning.

I think slowey is making a case for a #2 type SP in the AL, while Andy Sonnanstine projects more as a #4.

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Sonnanstine

I really think he can be a solid #3 next year. I was expecting a better K/BB ratio though, but it’s clear he’s not the second coming of James Shields, he just doesn’t have as strong stuff.

I wonder about Slowey’s stuff on the other hand, in that he’s had a few 10+ Strikeout games, which suggests that he has the potential to be an ace except for the fact that he doesn’t have a single dominating pitch leaving him prone to the longball. I hear the Radke comp thrown around but I’m not crazy about it since I think Slowey has better stuff and control of it. Anyone got any ideas for likely comps/upside?

Hey fish, leave those kids alone!

by The Congo Hammer on Sep 11, 2008 9:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Out of curiosity

Did anyone ever consider Sonnanstine to be the better prospect? I don’t remember that being the case. I thought the argument was that Sonnanstine was very similar, but getting overlooked. Slowey’s a few years younger, had more zip on his fastball, and had just as good of stats in the minors, so I thought it was a given that he would be considered better (and this is coming from a big Sonnanstine fan).

One other thing, I don’t know if this is good or bad, but Sonnanstine this year abandoned pitching from different slots, so he actually only throws 4 pitches now instead of 10 or 12.

Last night’s game:
http://brooksbaseball.net/pfx/index.php?month=9&day=10&year=2008&game=gid_2008_09_10_tbamlb_bosmlb_12F&pitchSel=458567.xml&prevGame=gid_2008_09_10_tbamlb_bosmlb_12F&prevDate=910

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Sep 11, 2008 10:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Release point is the third chart down

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Sep 11, 2008 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

slowey

I think slowey ends up with 4-5 years of 15 wins and 150 K’s. If he ever went to the NL he would be at 175-190K’s. Personally I think the homers trickle down over the next couple years as he learns batters, and how to waste a pitch or two with more effect (not just for wasting sake). From recolection, he lost about 5 of his games by giving up a 2 out donkey ball. I just think that will get reduced since he is a smart pitcher and will adjust. Also, he has a relatively young catcher who should call a few less HR pitches over the next couple of years.

Yeah, he doesn’t have the juice of a AJ Burnett, but I would rather watch Slowey pitch any day than someone like that.

by davidsabin on Sep 12, 2008 1:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs