Wednesday, August 17, 2005

M's 4 Royals 3......someone's been taking notes

Anyone who plays in a head-to-head fantasy baseball leagues knows the value of a "two-start" pitcher. These are the pitchers with two starts in a given week, giving your squad a better chance of accumulating stats. Right now I'm in the middle of a battle for a playoff spot, and I need all the help I can get. This week I picked up one Joel "don't call me Jole" Piniero as a two-start guy with favorable matchups against Kansas City and Minnesota. How does Joel respond? 8 strong innings and a win after a shaky start.
 
But something tells me Mr.Piniero didn't step it up for my fantasy team (affectionately named the Briley Backers for one of the 6 gazillion left fielders to play next to Junior). Something tells me Joel Piniero is coming around. We've put the pressure on Joel here at Mariner Magic, and deservedly so, but his last 3 starts have been very encouraging. Take a look:
 
6 1/3 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
7 2/3 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
8 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
 
Granted, these have been starts against the most potent offenses in the league, but that argument doesn't hold a lot of water with me. You're not going to face Texas, Boston, and New York every time out. Joel Piniero has had 3 straight strong outings. Period.
 
People have worried that we wouldn't see the old Joel. But let's think about this. After season-ending surgery in 2004, he didn't start again until April 15th. He didn't have spring training. I think it's fair to say he needed some time to get himself back. We'll see how he handles a tougher lineup. There's also something to be said for the inspiration King Felix has provided. He's putting this rotation on his back, and Joel's gladly hopped on. Care to follow Gil?
 
Take a look at Lookout Landing. Jeff has brought up some good points about Piniero, namely that he has been pitching to contact, and not striking out a ton of guys. He's gone against 3 weak lineups, has a great defense behind him, and is throwing in a pitcher-friendly park.
 
For now, Iet's give Joel Piniero credit. He's stepped up his game, and may not ever be the ace we had hope he would be, but could be a solid middle of the rotation guy. Add a #2 starter to go behind Felix, and the 2006 Mariners rotation is looking much better.
 
Oh-and nice work Yuniesky!


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7 comments:

  1. I take full credit for Joel's turnaround. I had him on my fantasy team all year long and finally dropped him. Coincidentally the moment I drop him he rattles of 3 of his best starts of the year, go figure.

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  2. Anonymous10:18 AM

    ..while Joel is a typical prima donna pitcher--what pitcher worth his salt isn't? - he is a competitor and I'm sure he hates seeing Felix take over his own crown as the golden boy..so what does he do ( after giving up his normal ration of first inning runs )but pitcha good game --nad his low walk count in last 3 games are very bright spots as well---concern is over loss in velocity--is htat permananet or still a vestige of his injury and will come back as his strength improves --in any case, jury is out on Joel but he's making a pretty convincing case that he belongs in the rotation.
    ...by the way did you ever see a worse defensive performance by a catcher than the one by the Royals' backstop last night --that 's why we have 7 catchers to pick from ,I guess

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  3. You make good points Peter. Although that's why Joel will never be a great one. He'll be one of those guys who shows flashes of greatness, and may even have a great season here or there, but that's it. There are countless guys like that all over the league-many of whom were well overpaid this offseason (ie Russ Ortiz)-and I can accept Joel being one of those guys in the 3rd or 4th spot of the rotation.

    It's amazing how Felix has lowered my expectations for him and Gil. Now I don't expect either of them to be top of the rotation guys.

    Personally I think Meche is the worst pitcher in the rotation. right now

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  4. OK we've got to make sure we (aka Pete) take credit when everyone is called Soriano The Ninja. Kinda like how USSMariner came up with King Felix.

    How does a rotation of
    Felix
    Burnett
    Moyer
    Piniero/Meche
    Madritsch/Foppert/Whatever

    sound?

    David Locke was saying Bavasi is on the hot seat today. I don't think that's fair quite yet.

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  5. Anonymous7:35 PM

    ..I stand my ground -all pitchers are prima donnas --they have to be --not openly badmouthing a teammate doesn't mean you;r e not a prima donna---its a good thing in a pitcher. ( and don;t tell me you never heard Clemens whine--he is among hte best ).but enough about Joel--its up to him to make it or not
    --but shoudl we sign Jamie for another year --was at the game today --while only the RoyalsI know --he just sems to be able to do it --Pwhit and mike l seem to think we should --will the-on-the-hotseat Bavasi (is David Lock on steroids also ??) hav courage to ink Jamie?

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  6. Anonymous7:41 PM

    i guess i missed the sportscast with joel 'don't call me jole" whining...let's give him credit for fighting off whatever demons he had earlier in the year....yeah, i know...last year too. i hope he is really on the road to success now.he hasn't had that 'deer in the headlights' look the past 3 starts. i'm a little touchy about the guy, but he is one of my favorites.

    you've never heard clemens whine??!! just because they are big names doesn't mean they aren't prima donnas (as neddy calls them)...and talk about whiners...how about randy 'get me out of seattle' johnson.

    i also would go on record saying resign jamie....and i don't even like the guy! he was awesome today.

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  7. Remember Curt Schilling bitching about the QuestTech (is that what they are called) cameras-and breaking one?

    I also remember Maddux complaining about the ball in the 90s.

    Pedro has definitely done his share of whining about the strike zone.


    I don't think Joel's problem is that he complains or is pissed at the world, I think it's that he doesn't have that ability to shake things off. Whether you call that discipline or whatever, I think we all agree Joel has lacked something over the past year +.

    PWhit, maah, and neddy are saying the same thing but it different ways I think. This is good stuff thoguh! 15 comments-woo!

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