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April 14, 2008

Is Ian Kennedy Not Ready For Prime Time?

In his first game this season, Ian Kennedy faced 15 batters and allowed the following BA/OBP/SLG line: .364/.533/.455.

In his second game, he was better, facing 13 batters and allowing this BA/OBP/SLG line: .182 /.308/.273.

So, which Ian Kennedy will show up this evening? Will it be more like the one that got banged around, or, more like the one who pitched better?

The truth of the matter is that we just don't know, yet, how Kennedy will fair against advanced professional hitters. Yes, last season, Ian was awesome in both Triple-A and the big leagues. However, coming into this season, Kennedy only has six Triple-A starts and three major league starts to his credit. Those nine starts, combined, cover 53.6 innings pitched.

If that's not a small sample size, nothing is. Seeing this, I'm beginning to wonder if the Yankees have rushed Ian Kennedy to the big leagues. Sure, he breezed through the minor leagues last year. But, still, wouldn't you rather see a pitcher make at least twenty starts in Triple-A before you start pushing him out there every five days against big league batters? Even if he's lights-out at Triple-A, there are always things that he can learn in those starts.

In any event, we're here now with Ian Kennedy. And, starting this evening, we'll see if, indeed, he's ready for prime time or not. Hopefully, he's looking good and has no problems. But, if he does struggle, you have to wonder about if the Yankees fast-tracked him too much...and at what cost.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at April 14, 2008 12:44 PM

Comments

Posted by: Pete at April 14, 2008 02:18 PM

Posted by: Josh at April 15, 2008 12:33 AM