LeCure relies primarily on command and movement to get batters out. He generates good movement on both his 87 to 91 mph fastball and slider due to his quick arm action, but his stuff in general is underwhelming for a big league starter. The right-hander projects as nothing more than an innings eater at the big league level.
Making nine starts for Louisville this year, the 26-year-old has gone 5-2 with a 2.55 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 60 innings. LeCure has been susceptible to gopher balls in the past, surrendering 17 home runs in 143 1/3 innings in 2009. However, he has become more of ground-ball pitcher this year, averaging 1.60 ground-outs per every air-out. So far, LeCure has only allowed four flies to leave the yard.
LeCure has the least upside of the three Reds hurlers being considered for promotion (Matt Maloney, Sam LeCure or Travis Wood). He may get the nod because of his progress this year in inducing grounders, a key to success at Great American Ball Park.
He is a fringe major league starter.
Making nine starts for Louisville this year, the 26-year-old has gone 5-2 with a 2.55 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 60 innings. LeCure has been susceptible to gopher balls in the past, surrendering 17 home runs in 143 1/3 innings in 2009. However, he has become more of ground-ball pitcher this year, averaging 1.60 ground-outs per every air-out. So far, LeCure has only allowed four flies to leave the yard.
LeCure has the least upside of the three Reds hurlers being considered for promotion (Matt Maloney, Sam LeCure or Travis Wood). He may get the nod because of his progress this year in inducing grounders, a key to success at Great American Ball Park.
He is a fringe major league starter.
