Gameday Thread: 4/1 Angels @ A's: Ohtani's pitching debut

[fan_since79]

1 minute ago, Warfarin said:

To his credit, he pulled him before it was too late.  I'm okay rolling Parker out with a 4 run lead in the 9th, as long as a contingency plan is in place.  But yeah, after this outing, in conjunction with his ST + previous outing, he's probably ticketed to have some low-leverage work for now until he figures things out.

Yeah, credit to Scioscia for removing him quickly, which often wasn't the case in previous years.

[UndertheHalo]

Just now, 101halo said:

I really wish we'd signed Holland. Hard to fault Eppler, though, considering how much we keep being appreciative of him rebuilding the farm. Tough to lose a high pick for a reliever. 

We can get someone cheap once teams start giving up in June/July.  Holland is a guy with decreasing velocity that was going to require a multi year comitment.  It’s fine. 

[Inside Pitch]

10 minutes ago, JarsOfClay said:

I wouldn't pitch him except in blowouts, or give him a quick leash in the early innings till he figures it out.  He's been shaky all spring, yet Scioscia makes him the stopper? lol

To be honest, I too think he needs to pitch in as low pressure a situation as possible, but..  I do believe he needs to pitch.   He's not pitching like a guy that can close and he doesn't have the history to get a long leash...   At least not IMO.

[Blarg]

12 minutes ago, bloodbrother said:

Parker probably just lost his closers gig for now. Dude needs to pitch in some low leverage situations until he gets his shit together, if he does. Dude was abysmal in spring and hasn't looked good in his first 2 outings this season

A four run lead is low leverage. 

[fan_since79]

7 minutes ago, Angel Oracle said:

What’s happened to Parker?

League figured him out?  Lost his release point?   Lost his confidence?

I think Langston mentioned his velocity is down from last year.

[101halo]

5 minutes ago, UndertheHalo said:

We can get someone cheap once teams start giving up in June/July.  Holland is a guy with decreasing velocity that was going to require a multi year comitment.  It’s fine. 

Hadn't noticed he's down to ~93 mph on the fastball. Looks like he's adjusted and gotten better with his slider. Question is whether his 2017 HR/FB is a fluke or not. If it's fluky than the Cards got a great pitcher, if not then you're totally right. 

[Inside Pitch]

8 minutes ago, Angel Oracle said:

What’s happened to Parker?

League figured him out?  Lost his release point?   Lost his confidence?

Reliever volatility!  We were all ruined by Shields extended run of awesomeness.

[101halo]

Just now, Inside Pitch said:

Reliever volatility!  We were all ruined by Shields extended run of awesomeness.

Seriously miss that guy. Perfect setup man, rubber arm. Totally spoiled by that. 

[Troll Daddy]

15 minutes ago, Throwman91 said:

Bozo closes it out, Cozart with a gem catch

That’s Mr. Bozo to you butthead 

[Ohtani&Trout]

Ohtani's average fastball velocity was 98 mph today. Basically, the same as it was in Japan. And nothing compared to the low-90s he was throwing during ST. Just further shows why ST performances don't mean a thing.

[Angel Oracle]

Anyway, GREAT outing by Ohtani and some good offense aided by Bad News Bears style defense

[daygloman]

1 minute ago, Ohtani&Trout said:

Just further shows why ST performances don't mean a thing.

Don't mean a thing?

Are you SURE you want to promote a statement like that?

I don't care.... I'm just wondering???

[UndertheHalo]

Just now, Inside Pitch said:

To be honest, I too think he needs to pitch in as low pressure a situation as possible, but..  I do believe he needs to pitch.   He's not pitching like a guy that can close and he doesn't have the history to get a long leash...   At least not IMO.

Definitely agree.  Parker is a guy that the Angels need.  Game 4 of the season is not the time to throw the towel in on the guy.  I think you keep running him out there.  Maybe not in a 1 run game in the 8th or 9th right now.  But the Angels need him to be an option in important situations 

[daygloman]

24 minutes ago, Mark68 said:

Light that shit!

Just DID! 

 

[JoJo26]

Bully is so unreliable....nerve wracking....weak sauce.

3-1....

[Angelsfan1984]

I would make Jim Johnson the closer until he I see better. Great velocity and closer experience. Why hand it to the guy getting shelled every game? 

[Billy_Ball]

We are tied for 1st place with Houston!

[Lou]

2 hours ago, 101halo said:

You know what's really racist? The A's defense. They don't seem to want their black gloves anywhere near the white balls.

as opposed to to tdawg . . .

[JustATroutFan]

I love what Ohtani did, today. Even though, going by ERA, it was a below average start. But he showed a lot of great promise. Terrific array of pitches and did not let the 3-run home run in the 2nd inning rattle him. Shows how strong your confidence level is.

[JustATroutFan]

He gave the team a chance to win, and they won the game. It's a start!

[Spirit]

[nando714]

Bullpen is what they are. Did they get the series win?  yes . Is it early? Yes, but this bullpen makes me nervous over the long haul 

[aznhockeyguy]

If the Angels had a better bullpen, would've been a 4 game sweep.  A major difference maker was the A's defense.  For those who don't believe in the value of defense, Angels probably won the series because of the A's lack of one.  Numerous hits should've been outs that extended key innings for the Angels to add more runs.  Also remember, this is also the A's, they were expected to be bad.  However, it's not easy to win 3 of 4 on the road so hopefully the Angels keep it going.

[Lou]

4 hours ago, Ohtani&Trout said:

Not sure what Eppler was thinking not doing anything to improve the pen. 

Here comes the grand slam.

Johnson and Bard say hello. 

[Troll Daddy]

What is this Trout