James Paxton in 67 Words
Stupid is as stupid does, Dept. :- )

.

It ain't that complicated.

  • Paxton has David Price-, Clayton Kershaw-level talent
  • Though his stats look dubious, he is CLOSER TO JELLING THAN YOU THINK
  • Zunino, Willis, and the MLB environment will certainly (100%) help him manage his meltdowns in ways AAA did not
  • Even if he doesn't jell, 4 BB per game is still fine for guys like him

That's my grok.  I could be wrong.

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Comments

1

He does look good. Maybe he was just bored in AAA? Or maybe the scouts saw some lightbulb come on for him that improved his inconsistency and efficiency and rec'd a move to the show. Or maybe Zunino is some kind of magician!

2

I believe (p > .80) that he just wasn't getting the support he needed to push through his rough patches.
ML infields will convert his grounders, and Zunino will call the fastballs that he can control, and Willis will help him with his mechanics, and his definition of success will be more even-handed so he'll stay more within himself, and etc etc.
Hey, this isn't a new concept in sports.  Put an athlete in a situation that plays to his strengths and helps him with his weaknesses.  Marshawn Lynch, for example.  Sports are teeming with such examples.

3

He's just "more locked in and focused" with the extra electricity of the big show. He's focused on Zunino calling the game. He commented on not even noticing the crowd until late into his debut or after he was out. Clear the mechanism. . . So focused here/bored there fits with what he's saying essentially.
He's now with the other young guys in the 2.xx BB/9s. He's gotten praise for his poise and maturity. Easy velocity. More pitches than he needs.
How do you see his mechanics? They've looked good to me in action but I'm not certain about repetition and release points. It seems unlikely that he's doing much to distinguish his different pitches for batters to pick up with these outcomes and pitch values. Anything in his delivery that's worrisome?

4

Loved the poise on his face in the highlights. He was in the moment, focused and not at all uncomfortable.
Give me that and a 98 MPH heater and I've got something.
Somebody remind me again where the concern is? He's flat out good.

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