Washburn Alert--NOLAN please read

[jng]

I think that Jarrod Washburn had an MRI last week to check his pitching shoulder.

"Jarrod Washburn (9-6, 3.76 ERA). The left-hander won a career-high eight straight decisions from May 13-July 24, but he has since lost two consecutive starts. In his last two outings, Washburn has allowed nine runs and 16 hits over 10 innings. "

I believe he only lasted 3 IPs last outing, right?

My work schedule is screwed up today, so I would appreciate anyone who has a little time checking this out.

The mismatch Nolan has pointed out is obvious but much maybe not worth the 3 unit adventure if Jarrod is either hurt or on a pitch count.

Also, the Dodgers' pitching is totally screwed up and they are expressing "great confidence" in Herges--a hurler who rivals LaTroy in deserving NO confidence from us.

J

 

[Investment Executive]

Angels Starters Report:

There was some concern after Jarrod Washburn's rocky start against Chicago on Wednesday night that the Angel left-hander might be having shoulder problems, but results of an MRI test and an examination by Dr. Lewis Yocum, team physician, were normal. Scioscia said Washburn, who was rocked for six runs on seven hits in three innings, was having mechanical difficulties and will make his next scheduled start.

 

[Investment Executive]

speaking of closers jng.....

not a great attitude in bold print if your sitting on an under in anaheim game i would think?

====
Closer Troy Percival's second-half numbers might seem to indicate there is something wrong with him, but he said he's fine. Before the All-Star break, Percival's ERA was 0.84; after the break, it's 7.43. In 32 innings before the break, he allowed only 14 hits; in 13 1/3 innings since the break, he has allowed 18 hits.

But Percival said all that's important to him is his save percentage. He was 21-of-22 before the break and is 11-of-12 after the break.

The increased ERA is a result of game situations. In the first half, the Angels were in more one-run games, allowing Percival no room for error. In the second half, Percival has been pitching in more games with a two- or three-run lead. He will pitch differently with a bigger lead, not willing to give in to hitters, which leads to more walks and more scoring situations. But Percival said he doesn't care if he gives up a run with a two-run lead as long as he holds it.

Percival's curveball has not been as sharp in the second half because he's not using it as much. His fastball has been so good, he's relied on it too much lately, causing him to lose command of his curve

 

[jng]

IE, Thanks!

Percival, as we know, is a two pitch guy only: 95 mph #1 and a pretty fast (85mph) curve. Yes, he has been recently quoted in the papers as saying that he will challenge hitters, would give up a run when he needs to and will use his curve more.
Even though the MRI and Yocum cleared Washburn, I wonder what soreness or stiffness led them to do the MRI in the first place. Jarrod is my favorite AL pitcher and I am pretty reluctant to pass a 3 unit Nolan recommendation.

The Dodgers remain a dicey play because they are running low on starters and promoting their best relievers . . . and they are running out of those.

I think that GLAVINE, a road warrior, is a good play, as is the under 13 in the same game because I doubt he'll get much support as he holds the Rocks under 5 or so.

I will PASS Park-at-Home, usually a favorite play, because Herges might get the ball.

I will play UNCLE MILTIE to beat the Tribe and stay UNDER because I think LaTroy is last in line in the Twinks BP.

Also playing HUDSON -1' runs and MADURO --120.

OK, I've decided to play Washburn . . .

GLTA!

J

 

[Investment Executive]

not to sway your thinking in anyway....just throwing this out....

my pitching line simulations show glavine getting hit very very hard tonight....along w/ maduro and trachsel..

good luck tonight.

IE

 

[TheBlackCloud1]

The Angels still believe they have a wild card chance, despite the awesome performance of Oakland. Nevertheless, pitching coach
Bud Black and manager Scioscia are rather conservative in use of pitchers. I can't imagine that they would risk further injury to Washburn, despite their feeling that somehow they will be able to overtake Oakland, Boston and Minnesota. Scioscia is looking at signing a hefty extension at season's end or sooner. I doubt he would risk Washburn in this situation against a struggling Tiger team.

 

[jng]

IE, your posts ALWAYS sway my opinions. My handicapping skills often resemble Jack's experiment in watching what someone with "public" knowledge picks.
Glavine on the Road is a little too automatic a pick for me but I may back away from Maduro 'cuz he has been erratic after his great start.
Thanks, as always.

J