This season has been one to forget, honestly. There has been one big bright spot for me though, and that is Cam Schlittler. In two short months he's a pleasant surprise and a reliable staple of the rotation, and thank god for that.
He was at Double-A Somerset until June and got called up to the Yankees just over a month later. Isn't it amazing how both Schlittler and Volpe were accelerated in their journeys and one of them is succeeding while the other has been a massive bust? Okay, I said I wasn't going to rant and I won't....but at least Schlittler is giving results.
We just watched his second straight start in which Schlittler pitched at least six scoreless innings and has only allowed one run over 17 ²/₃ innings. It shows nice growth after allowing six home runs in his first five outings. He's adapted well. He has the makeup of a gamer than can pitch in the New York spotlight unlike some of Brian Cashman's other dumpster dive specials. He looks comfortable on the mound, he doesn't get rattled and maintains control. We've seen his success with his fastball but if he continues to improve on his off-speed pitches he's going to be an even bigger force on the mound.
I think this kid could be a staple in the rotation for years to come if the Yankees don't mismanage him, which is always a possibility. This kid has all of the tools to be an elite pitcher. He can throw high heat, even with his 6'6" frame he has a short stride that looks effortless and he's not overthrowing. He doesn't have a big snapping arm before he throws. I do like that about his form, less hurky jerky movements that can lend easier to injuries. If he can just keep the good form and mechanics, it makes it easier to stay healthy.....if the Yankees don't screw it up.
He may be a rookie, but he's pitching more like an established ace with each outing. If the Yankees get lucky and they make a postseason run (BIG IF) then he could be a key piece to the Yankees success. The Yankees really got lucky with this unexpected stability in their rotation. He's the bright spot in a season of sarcasm and short comings.
Finally a post where I didn't complain the entire article (only took a tiny detour) ....it's about damn time.
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