Two quality starts by Adam Wainwright are good early returns on his 'conversion' to starting. Fact is, he's always been a starter, and his move to the bullpen last season was a matter of desperation and genius. What's a bit worrisome has been his lack of control (seven walks against eight strikeouts) and his relative inefficiency (seven innings and 101 pitches, then 6.2 and 111) in starts against relatively weak offenses. Both can be attributed to his reliance on that looping curve, a pitch that can move so much it gives umpires trouble. One scout told me that "the pitch is so good, it looked like the Pirates just laid off it and let him have [the curve.]" The biggest question with Wainwright is stamina, so inefficiency this early in the season is not a good sign; watch carefully for any sign that it's time to sell high on him.
jim wrote:I'm just glad to finally read someone not talk about the shambles of a pitching staff forcing to convert two relievers into starters for once.
On the BP chat yesterday they was talking good about Wainwright and Reyes.
Then again, most of the staff on BP has said they thought the rotation would be good anyway.
I noticed that Wainwright doesn't have great control with his fastball. I think he has better control with his amazing curveball than his fastball. He was missing up high with his fastball a lot. Isn't that a sign that you're tired?
jim wrote:I'm just glad to finally read someone not talk about the shambles of a pitching staff forcing to convert two relievers into starters for once.
On the BP chat yesterday they was talking good about Wainwright and Reyes.
Then again, most of the staff on BP has said they thought the rotation would be good anyway.
I'm just saying that everytime I hear about AW, the press talks about it like it's some earth shattering move moving him to the rotation. This is the first time I've seen in print that they realize he's always been a starter and always pegged to be a starter.
jim wrote:I'm just glad to finally read someone not talk about the shambles of a pitching staff forcing to convert two relievers into starters for once.
On the BP chat yesterday they was talking good about Wainwright and Reyes.
Then again, most of the staff on BP has said they thought the rotation would be good anyway.
I'm just saying that everytime I hear about AW, the press talks about it like it's some earth shattering move moving him to the rotation. This is the first time I've seen in print that they realize he's always been a starter and always pegged to be a starter.
TimmyG wrote:I noticed that Wainwright doesn't have great control with his fastball. I think he has better control with his amazing curveball than his fastball. He was missing up high with his fastball a lot. Isn't that a sign that you're tired?
I think the other factor this time of year is the cold weather. In the early innings he was high and missing in part, I think, cause of the cold weather and its effect on getting your joints loose enough to keep your follow through in finishing your pitches. Also it was the fact that he didn't have his stuff that day and had to learn how pitch through it. Tony really tested him there and that last inning was pretty painful to watch him struggle through. You could see Wainer was outta gas after the first batter. He's gonna be a great pitcher and unfortunately for us will probably end up in Atlanta when he gets a chance to go back and play at home. (Good for him though)
