The Jackalope, of course, being the mythical creature that comes unexpectedly boundin' out of the indy wilderness in our hour of despair, and informs us we have no need to feel so blue about our rotation problemos.
D-O-V noodlings on Jaka thus far ...
March 20 - Yank RRS Right Now
March 31 - Jakubauskas Theory and Practice
March 31 - Jakubauskas 30-30-30 Template
April 04 - FRAME-BY-FRAME ON JAKUBAUSKAS (at D-O-V)
April 04 - Jakubauskas and Kelley
April 09 - Lowe and Jakubauskas in Minny ...
Mark Lowe was hitting 98 mph on Wednesday. We didn't see him at less than 96 on the Fox readings, and he hit 98 more than once.
After Lowe's nuclear debut in Minnesota -- 8 swings and 7 misses IIRC -- he then took several days off, and when he did pitch again, he threw almost all straight fastballs. This had D-O-V worrying that Lowe's arm was going to be fragile all year, but last night Wok stirred him into the pot on shorter rest, in a blowout, just to "keep him sharp." This relaxed Dr. D a bit concerning Lowe's health.
At 96-98 mph and with the radioactive slider, Lowe threatens to revert to the 10K/game form he had when he first came up -- which would make him one of the very best relievers in the American League.
Kelley was also dialing it up to 94-96, and he also has a strikeout offspeed pitch. With the emergence of Kelley and Lowe behind Morrow, the M's should be able to spare Jakubauskas for the rotation long-term.
Ryan Rowland-Smith could then serve as a passable LH long man out of the 'pen. Smoke and mirrors, with a bendy curve ball, can survive one trip through, if they haven't prepared for you.
Knock 'em dead Jaka,
Dr D
