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March 11, 2008

Verducci: 5 Breakout Pitchers For '08

Tom Verducci, today, lists "5 pitchers who could make a big jump in 2008" and none of them are named Wang, Hughes, Chamberlain or Kennedy.

Oh, what a house of pain....

("Jump" around...get it?)

Posted by Steve Lombardi at March 11, 2008 05:07 PM

Comments

Verducci is in the tank for Bigelow Joe Torre. He won't say anything nice about the Yankees for the next five years.

Posted by: Tex Antoine [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 11, 2008 05:27 PM

The article's about finding a young ace on your staff and taking a step forward and he has Pedro Martinez on it? I mean, come on. And I don't see why everyone assumes Dice-K will be at least a run better than last year. I'm not convinced. He's useful, but I don't see the superstardom.

Posted by: festus [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 11, 2008 05:31 PM

I love this part:

"Matsuzaka surprised the Red Sox by reporting to camp heavier than last year. He explained he enjoyed his best seasons in Japan when he carried more weight. Perhaps Matsuzaka also is better prepared for the grind of the longer major league season, which took its toll on the right-hander over the final two months of last season."

Seriously? Verducci's going to lead with Dice-K's offseason fast food extravaganza as a reason to expect a break out year? I wouldn't be surprised if he did do well, but I wouldn't cite his weight problem as a positive. Still, gotta respect Matsuzaka for telling the Sox this was his way of preparing for the season.

Posted by: Nick from Washington Heights [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 11, 2008 06:55 PM

Far more telling a reason why this article is more or less bunk: listing Dontrelle Willis on there. What the fascination with him is, I have no idea. The psychological toll of being the Marlins #1 pitcher? THAT'S why he stunk? Give me a break.

Posted by: MJ [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 11, 2008 08:26 PM

Tex Antoine! The great weatherman is back.

Posted by: susanmullen [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 11, 2008 11:00 PM

M'zaka reported to ST with a gut last ST too.

Posted by: Rich [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 12, 2008 12:00 AM

Nice sentence structure, Rich

Posted by: Rich [TypeKey Profile Page] at March 12, 2008 12:20 AM