The Atlanta Braves call you up to start against the Marlins tonight. Didier Fuentes is a pitcher in the Braves organization, that has tons of potential. But he’s winless this season, and has a career record of 4–18 in the minors. I’m not a scout and don’t pretend to be. But this is a surprising move. He can’t win in the minors, and gives up almost 5, runs a game, so he gets promoted to the bigs? I’m very curious to see how he pans out.
These kinds of moves can be head scratchers for sure. We can offer up ideas as to why these types of moves are made but it’s more speculation for discussion than anything. It can be no more than a roll of the dice on a match up with an upcoming opponent. I’ve done no research on this guy—sometimes a substantial amount of bonus money has been put into a guy and the organization wants to prove themselves right on money spent. But I agree, usually you see a positive trend with the player’s numbers when you see the promotion to the show. Makes you shake your head and wonder if a player like Waldrep is destined to be a career Milb guy.
In general, I don't think W/L record is a particularly useful stat for a pitcher. In his last outing, he gave up 1 run* in 4.2 IP. It wouldn't have mattered how many he gave up, because unless he gave up 0 he was taking the loss. Why is that on the pitcher? Just looking at his stats, I see what's likeable about him (although he needs to bring the triple rate down a little bit). BAA is .222 this season, WHIP is 1.12, he has 48 Ks in just under 40 IP, and his walk rate has gotten better each time he's moved up. * - the one run he gave up was a solo HR to Jimmy Crooks (the OU catcher on their almost-championship run a few years ago). Go GATORS! ,WESGATORS
This move reminds me of the scene from Moneyball, but with a hitter, not a pitcher. “He’s a good hitter. The ball explodes off his bat. Well, if he’s a good hitter then why doesn’t he hit good? Just give him 400 at bats, He’ll be a good hitter. So we put him up against major league pitching and he’ll be a good hitter, I don’t think so.”
I think it's awesome that the Braves had a pitcher on their team named "Blewett" - reminds me of the kicker, Chance Poore, from Kentucky. I bet that dude has some thick skin. Go GATORS! ,WESGATORS
