CDAV45
Small ball is for pussies!
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2020
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I wouldn't be against adding another good pitcher, but I'd prefer some control and there aren't many out there that fit that description. Besides, do they really need to add one? I think they actually have a SP that is every bit as capable as McKenzie. All they have to do is keep him healthy.I think the only problem with Bibee and future success is the lack of a track record with his new found speed. IF he has a good 2-3 months to start the season, people are going to have their jaws just drop. It is easy to write him off as a one year wonder, especially has his July and August are based on sub .260 BABip. However, all the other months, are around .300 or over. However, his OPS steadily declined through the year mainly because of that elevation that hitters can get on his fastball (his weakness) seemed to correct itself even in AA with bigger hitters. His May numbers show 5 HRs in 5 games. However, in the rest of the year, he limited his HRs to 2 per month or less (0 in Sept with 3 games). As long as that trend continues, he will do just fine. And, as others said, keeping his K/W ratio around 5-6+ for whole season, keeps him from getting into trouble with big innings.
Guys, this is why the Guardians appear to just be treading water a bit for now and not going after big names. We can criticize them for not adding a big 3rd pitcher to add to Bieber and McK to do an extended playoff run (having the guns to match the #1/#2 seed when you have to throw your #3/4 pitcher against their Ace due to bye scheduling). Yet, even if Bieber does not sign a contract, if things play out, you have McK as your 4th best pitcher (but Ace in leadership). That is why they are holding off and other teams are testing their resolve in not trading one of them even for a Murphy (willing to gamble and take less than fold for one of the 3 because you pushed to hard).
Honestly, I can see why Bibee was left off the top 10 list. I didn't really expect it. I can see him around 60-70 prospect level with top 100 comes out. However, come next year, if we don't have a WS type run coming this year (where they risk rookie eligibility on one of these 3), you have the possibility to have 3 of the top 5-8 pitcher prospects going into next pre-season. Lefties -- Harrison & Tiedemann (Liberatore will lose eligibility this year) and Righties -- Painter, Perez, Abel, Miller/Stone (and a couple of these will lose eligibility) - that would be 3 of top 30 prospects in all of baseball where the success ratio that Cats hates is much higher. But, Espino needs to be healthy and Williams will be control as his walk rate/home run ticked up in AA.
They'll see what becomes of Pilkington and Battenfield. If Battenfield starts the season strong with his new mechanics, velocity and spin then they have another good one. If he struggles then he'll fade away into Cleveland's pitching depth. All Pilkington has to do is demonstrate better control and limit his walks. There is real potential with both these guys and what better organization to help them realize it.
So there is still some "things" to find out/discover/realize with this team before I view it as a WS contender. Things could click though and surprise myself and others that feel the Guardians' time will begin in 24. The problem with my take on how they should do things is that it is perceived as throwing in the towel for 2023, but `I don't see it like that at all. I see it as loading up and getting prepared for a long sustained run with incredible talent. You know what they say about opinions.