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Why I think David Hernandez Should Be Moved to the Bullpen



I strongly believe the bullpen is a better place for David Hernandez. He is struggling now as a starter and pitches much better early in games when he has more energy. On his first 15 pitches of a game opponents are batting only .230. On pitches 16-30 the average jumps to .311. Hernandez also pitches much better when there are runners on base. When the bases are empty opponents bat .333. When there is at least one runner on base opponents bat only .202. Now this is the impressive number. When there is at least one runner in scoring position opponents only bat .159! That is impressive to me. Hernandez could come on when another pitcher gets into a jam, and get out of it, Just a thought, what do you think?

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Long-term, you're probably right

For now, let him stay in the rotation on the off-chance that he can be good. When somebody else is ready to join the rotation, then maybe make the move.

by pipkin on Aug 30, 2009 9:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Great stats

I was ready to say that we shouldn’t be so quick to believe Hernandez can only be a reliever until I saw those stats. I agree with pipkin that we should wait and see. Beyond Bergesen, Hernandez has been the Orioles most consistent starter this year, even if it means only going 5 or 6 IP with 2 or 3 ER’s every time.

BK

by BKsportstake on Aug 30, 2009 11:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Two scenarios

1)-Hernandez finds a spot on the back end of the rotation in the near future. He stops pitching up in the zone so much, develops a 2-seam fastball that jams righties, and finds consistency with his curve ball. The pitch count is now manageable for David and he often goes seven plus.

2)-Hernandez ends up in the bullpen as his stats continue on their current trend. He never learns to keep the ball down and the fastball continues to be straight and hittable. His pitch counts continue to be too high due to the inability to control the curve ball, but his stuff is good enough to get him by as a reliever.

Hard to tell at this point…

by sickuvitall on Aug 31, 2009 1:25 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I see him as a setup man in the future

From there he could go to closer or long relief. He’s got some power but obviously can’t sustain it enough to start games.

But until we get some more starters, he’s going to have to keep taking his lumps.

"I hate seeing Bedard go, but I think the O's may have gotten the better end of the deal" -- me, 2/8/08

by CoachOfEarl on Aug 31, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I'd love to see what his power is like out of pen

He’d likely be able to add a couple MPH to his fastball without having to worry about throwing 100+ pitches

by kba26 on Aug 31, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah he gets to about 95 now, might be 97-98 out of pen!

Hey guys, I have an Orioles blog so check it out. I write about news and the Oriole's farm teams and prospects.

www.snaorioles.com

by ravensfan3 on Aug 31, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

He would be a good bullpen arm

I will not deny that, but so far he’s been passable in the rotation and thats worth more than a good reliever any day.

"I have seen the future and his name is Matt Wieters." Keith Law

by Reddrummer9187 on Aug 31, 2009 10:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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