Tale of da Tape, Paxton and Hultzen (stop da fight)
...............
Q. This "Tale of the Tape" hasn't given the column for James Paxton. No side-by-side. Give.
A. Remember, James Paxton came out of Kentucky -- originally -- as a classic Billy Beane 1st-round K/BB pitcher. He had a 115/20 control ratio as a senior, only 13 games.
He took a year off, and when he came back he hit 95 mph as though he'd never missed a day. This "rebound test" told you that his arm was much, much more special than advertised.
The mechanics were tear-inducing: Paxton effortlessly drives his wallet at the hitter, touches the ball to his back foot, and slings the ball like David launching stones at Goliah. Never in all his born days has Dr. D seen a LHP with more harmonious mechanics. And the mechanics mean --- > command.
SSI predicted an effortless 2011 rampage through A and then AA, which, by a creepy coincidence, Mr. Paxton delivered. He averaged 12 strikeouts, 3 walks, and 0.5 homers per game in AA Jackson.
His last 4 games, he fanned 36 men, against only 14 hits (!) and 4 walks. ... RIGHT hand batters "hit" him for 41 K, 9 BB, 2 HR, and a 1.6 grounder ratio during his time in AA.
Here, go enjoy Paxton's game logs. Remember, in the College World Series which Danny Hultzen dissected, half the guys are prospects. In the Southern League which James Paxton spat tobacco juice upon, all of the guys are prospects, by definition.
Hultzen's a prize, but James Paxton is the guy ready to murder the AL most foully.
.
Q. So, the M's default 2012 rotation is what?
A. It's funny ... at Mariner Central they posted a radio recap, where Wedge goes, "Fister was traded because he wasn't one of our best five going forward."
An odd thing to say about somebody who was one of the AL's best 15 starters last year ... ergo, for April 2012:
- Felix
- Pineda
- Paxton
- Hultzen
- Taijuan (Yu Darvish, Erikkk, Spec's pitcher list)
I guess Vargas does hold place for Taijuan for four months or so. Until further notice. ::pinkfloyd GETONWITHIT::
Cheers,
Dr D