Well, maybe not ALL of us. Yesterday was Michael King's audition for a possible anchor to the starting rotation. He drew a tough assignment too. I'm sure going against the Blue Jays who will likely be the Yankees biggest competition this year was even more intimidating. The Blue Jays are pretty stacked offensively, and unfortunately King didn't stack up well against them. He gave up three runs on three hits, walked two and hit two over two innings.
So I guess next time Aaron Boone gives him the ball it will be all about redemption. I don't read too much into what happened yesterday. First game, he can rebound but for him to do so he will need to work on his control and improving his third pitch, which he has been working on in recent months. Every outing counts right now, especially with Deivi Garcia and Nick Nelson watching and observing while they wait for their chance.
This start was far from the end of the world for King, but it does show important it is for King to develop a third pitch and be effective with it. Maybe this just means is that he needs more time, and if it does then that is okay.
Fortunately, the Yankees added a lot of depth over the winter. Depth is a good problem for the Yankees to have, but not for King or anyone else who is trying to earn a spot in the starting rotation. I guess we wait and see what happens next with King....and add a little payback when we see the Blue Jays again.
Spot on in all regards Jeana. Michael King advanced through the Yankees system in part because he had really good control. He has yet to demonstrate this in MLB.
ReplyDeleteWhen he did get ahead in the count yesterday he attempted to expand the zone and major league hitters are not falling for that. King was forced back into full counts too many times and he was giving up hard contact and walking people which is not a great recipe.
He did throw a couple nice change ups but It's going to come down to whether the Yankees want to give him a bullpen spot and I don't see how he forces his way into that crowded situation, where guys like Cessa & Loasiga are more established.
King is probably better off getting innings with Scranton & staying stretched out. That plan would benefit him the most probably but it would also benefit the Yankees the most just in case there's an injury or two, or three or...etc