Kyle Farnsworth to start?

[redsrbetter]

Ok, the ninja is apparently being prepared to get embarassed. More of an opportunity for a tussle at home plate between two pitchers I guess.

Anyways, he is really getting a look at the rotation...
This is ridiculous if you ask me.

[realmofotalk]

As incredulous as that may be, considering that Braden Looper made the Cards rotation in 2007 even though he hadn't made a start since he played at the Single-A level, it's not that surprising to read about a middling reliever giving it a try after all.

[Trendy Bastard]

I still love Farnsworth for whooping that Cincy's players ass. One of my most fond baseball memories. If only I could think of his name.

[realmofotalk]

That would be Paul Wilson.

[Trendy Bastard]

Haha thats the one! I remember it like it was yesterday.

[redsrbetter]

+ rep to mofo for remembering Paul Wilson.

Anyhow, my only argument on Farnsworth starting vs Looper is Farnie hasn't got a Dave Duncan around.

[Kolin]

Nothing wrong with taking a look. He's got decent stuff. The Royals changed his delivery last year, and after a few REALLY bad trips out of the pen he started pitching MUCH more effectively. Until he got hurt.

BTW -- I remember him commenting to the paper about how he'd never received any coaching / feedback since being a pro on his delivery, and how excited he was to get some actual coaching.

[NYgiantsfan5689]

Hey, why not try something else, when clearly relief work isn't exactly working in Farnsy's favor.

I just think the major difference between Looper and Farnsy is that Kyle is a power pitcher, and usually they don't translate well to starters (ala Joba) because they have difficulties toning down the heat to last longer and deeper in the game. Looper is not a power pitcher and it translated relatively well.

Edit: It took all my self control to not make a side your-mom joke when I said "they have difficulties toning down the heat to last longer and deeper"

[realmofotalk]

Looper was a power pitcher. I have a scout's skinny on him from ten years ago that he gets his fastball up to 98, 99 mph. His raw stuff always put him in the mix for the Marlins' closer role, but the Marlins eventually gave up on him and got Ugueth Urbina instead. He still averaged 92-to-93 as a reliever toward the end, and then his velocity dropped as you would expect when he became a starter.

[redsrbetter]

Farnsworth is looking good yet (9.64 ERA) but the sample size is far too small. He hasn't started a game yet though either. Which makes me wonder what is going on. Is he being stretched out at all? In 2 games pitched, he has 4.2 IP. We are nearly halfway through the spring and he hasn't got many innings behind his belt to show they look for him to start. I wonder if the plan has changed...