Doubront has turned his season around
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| Photo Courtesy of NESN |
Conor Frederick
Contributing Writer
Felix Doubront has distanced himself from the version of Felix Doubront we saw in May. In May, he was sitting pretty with a 6.40 ERA and he was walking a very thin line, according to NESN. High pitch counts and lower velocity were huge problems and people wanted him out of the rotation. So, the question is, where are those guys now? His ERA has dropped rapidly, and after giving up 6 earned runs in back to back starts May 3 and 8, he's given up 3 earned runs or fewer in 10 straight starts according to NESN. His fastball velocity still sits in the low 90's, but he isn't trying to do too much anymore, which has helped him settle down and pitch effectively. His strikeout totals are down, but as I just mentioned he's been pitching more effectively and going longer into games (6 2/3, 2 runs last night). His performances against the Angels and Jays were enough to earn him Amica Pitcher of the Week honors this week.
Let me make something clear - I still support the team going after another starting pitcher. Our rotation is still suspect. Jon Lester has had his ups and downs this year (although he's going back up right now) and Clay Bucholz said he's pretty close to being back, according to the Boston Globe, but I'll believe that when I see it. Ryan Dempster and John Lackey have both been great, but they could still get injured/have their struggles. Doubront has been terrific, though, so going after a Cliff Lee or a Matt Garza might create more problems then it solves. Doubront would probably get the short straw and get moved to the pen and be more of a spot starter if something were to come up at the trade deadline and Bucholz gets healthy.
Tweet me @ConorJF1016 or leave a comment with your thoughts.
Contributing Writer
Felix Doubront has distanced himself from the version of Felix Doubront we saw in May. In May, he was sitting pretty with a 6.40 ERA and he was walking a very thin line, according to NESN. High pitch counts and lower velocity were huge problems and people wanted him out of the rotation. So, the question is, where are those guys now? His ERA has dropped rapidly, and after giving up 6 earned runs in back to back starts May 3 and 8, he's given up 3 earned runs or fewer in 10 straight starts according to NESN. His fastball velocity still sits in the low 90's, but he isn't trying to do too much anymore, which has helped him settle down and pitch effectively. His strikeout totals are down, but as I just mentioned he's been pitching more effectively and going longer into games (6 2/3, 2 runs last night). His performances against the Angels and Jays were enough to earn him Amica Pitcher of the Week honors this week.
Let me make something clear - I still support the team going after another starting pitcher. Our rotation is still suspect. Jon Lester has had his ups and downs this year (although he's going back up right now) and Clay Bucholz said he's pretty close to being back, according to the Boston Globe, but I'll believe that when I see it. Ryan Dempster and John Lackey have both been great, but they could still get injured/have their struggles. Doubront has been terrific, though, so going after a Cliff Lee or a Matt Garza might create more problems then it solves. Doubront would probably get the short straw and get moved to the pen and be more of a spot starter if something were to come up at the trade deadline and Bucholz gets healthy.
Tweet me @ConorJF1016 or leave a comment with your thoughts.
