I know that I've spoken before here of my appreciation for the work of one Mr. Anthony Reyes.
I was all kinds of impressed with him when he came up, and it broke my heart to watch him struggle. It was especially frustrating to watch, considering that I, and many others, felt that he was being badly mishandled by the Cardinals' coaching staff, rather than being put into a position to succeed.
With all of that in mind, I would like to announce a new weekly segment here at The Rundown. We're going to call it the Anthony Reyes Watch. I know, it's not a very original or creative title, but I couldn't think of anything more clever. So, this is what we've got.
Each week, we're going to update Reyes' progress as he attempts to fulfill the promise he showed as a Cardinal prospect. Now, please don't think that I'm doing this just to try and stick it to the Cards. Far from it.
One, I'm doing it because I like the player, and I'm rooting for him to succeed.
Two, I think it will make an interesting intellectual exercise. A lot of St. Louis Cardinal fans seem to think that Tony La Russa and Dave Duncan are pretty much infallible; those two couldn't possibly have mismanaged a player or situation, right? If Reyes didn't succeed, it's obvious that he just wasn't that good. Well, I want to see, one way or the other.
Of course, he could very well fall on his face out in Cleveland as well, making me look foolish for my support. But you know what? That's a chance I'm willing to take. I'm willing to put my neck right out there. Hey, I'm just that kind of sports columnist.
And so, without further ado, here is our very first weekly Reyes update.
So far, Reyes has started two games for the Indians. He's won one, and he's lost one. In his first game, Reyes threw very well, getting into the seventh inning while giving up only one run.
Last night, he didn't pitch quite as well, but still ended up with six innings of two-run ball to show for his efforts. Unfortunately, the Indians got shut down by Jeremy Guthrie of the Orioles (some things never change), and was the tough luck loser. His velocity was actually better in the second game than in his first, so that's encouraging, but he didn't locate quite as well.
Overall, Anthony has thrown 12.1 innings for the Indians. He's given up three runs, all earned, on thirteen hits and three walks against only four strikeouts. He's also given up one home run, a solo shot. That gives him a 2.19 ERA all together.
I'm concerned he's not striking out more batters, but I'm going to withhold judgment on that one for now. He may still be settling in to whatever the Indians are trying to get him to do. Then again, maybe not. Either way, if he's still not striking out more hitters after a couple more starts, then I'll really start getting worried.
Good job so far, Anthony. Keep it going.
