Pat Light 2016

[goulik]

Patrick James Light

Born March 29, 1991 (25 yrs) in Colts Neck NJ

RHP- Reliever

Drafted first round Compensation Round (#37 Overall) 2012 by Boston Red Sox

(Drafted in 28th round 2009 by Twins, did not sign)

Acquired Via Trade for Fernando 8/1/2016

6'5" and 220 lbs

 

After being drafted in 2012, Light spent his first 3 seasons in one of the 3 A level leagues of the Boston farm system. In 2015, He quickly moved through AA and on to Pawtucket in AAA where he began this year. He made his MLB debut for Boston earlier this year on April 26th. After 2 short outings, he was optioned back to Pawtucket until his trade to Minnesota. He was called up his second time on August 21st and is currently pitching out of the Twins Bullpen. 

 

Unfortunately, Light has not been Lights out (yet). Despite a 2.37 ERA in AAA this year with 42 K's in 38 innings, Light has given up 12 Runs, 6 Walks, and a hit batter in 8 MLB innings. He has also shown his ability to strike people out, its just usually been a little too late.

 

Despite what we have seen, it is important to see SSS when it is right in front of our eyes. We traded Abad who was performing very well in our bullpen because Boston was offering more talent that just was not MLB ready or reliable enough for a playoff run. The words we have heard too many times lately have to also be used here...

We have to be patient. (I know some of you just face palmed but it is sadly true) I believe Light can be a reliable bullpen piece with great cost control for the next several years and into our next playoff run.

[bluechipper]

His splitter was really impressive the other night.

 

Where's the 100 mph that we've read about though? Fangraphs has his average fastball velocity for the year at 95.6, but that seems high to me. From what I've watched, he's around 93-95, with the occasional 96-97.

[goulik]

2016 Wrap Up

After spending most of his season in Pawtucket and 2.2 innings in a Red Sox uniform, Pat light was traded to the Minnesota Twins. After a short stint in Rochester, Light was called up and pitched 14 innings for the Twins.

Combined MLB 16.2 innings, 11.34 ERA, 16 K's, 16 BB's, 2.28 WHIP, 5 wild pitches

Combined AAA 38 innings, 2.37 ERA, 42 K's, (9.95 K/9), 19 walks, 1.18 WHIP, 6 wild pitches.

 

2017 Outlook

It's hard to know why Light has been so wild in the majors but it was only 16.2 innings. 16.2 BAD innings. Light will be back in the Majors next year and if his MiLB numbers mean anything, Twins fans will eventually like seeing Light come out of the bullpen for years to come. Due to numbers he may start in AAA, but he just may earn a spot in Spring Training. If you don't like Light, look deeper at his MiLB stats and I think you will be ready to give him another chance.