Zebby Matthews is aiming, not throwing

[swahl]

No. 1 thing as a pitcher in little league growing up in Bemidji--coaches would say "don't aim it, just throw it!

Much ado about his K/BB rate this year in the minors. Which was astounding.

But then there was some chatter in an article here on TD saying that he must learn to not do that very thing. In this second start, he looks like aiming was on his mind . . . and was, obviously, missing the zone. Because that is what happens when you think too much. Tell this man to pound the zone with his +stuff. Please. Trying to get major league batters to chase is just as silly as pounding the zone . . . unless pounding the zone is what a pitcher has been used to doing, and what has made him successful in this remarkable 2024 season. 

Work fast, throw strikes, change speeds. 

 

[August J Gloop]

14 hours ago, swahl said:

Work fast, throw strikes, change speeds. 

He did all three of those yesterday.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

You can't throw at the velocity he is with just aiming a ball.  Having a control and pitching where you want it.  Here is the issue.  With emphasis on pitch zone for strikes,  pitchers are going to be more honed on just throwing strikes.  His stuff was good enough to miss a lot of bats in the lower levels.  With the jumps he has made,  the hitters are much better.  Even still I have no doubt he can make some adjustments.  Just look at the adjustments he has made this year so far.  I still have very high expectations for him in the future.  

[LambchoP]

I have high expectations for both Festa and Zebby. I'm pretty sure both these guys can be solid mid rotation starters. Honestly, they were both rushed this year though, Zebby more so. At least Festa had a decent amount of time at AAA, but Mathews started the year in A ball. Had like a month or so at AA where he did pitch like sn ace, but then he only had 2 or 3 starts at AAA where he got knocked around. If it weren't for injuries and lack of depth, Mathews should have finished the year at St Paul. I think Festa will be our fifth starter next year with Mathews and Morris as 6 and 7 waiting in the wings. Cory Lewis and Raya both probably need another full year in the high minors.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

1 hour ago, LambchoP said:

I have high expectations for both Festa and Zebby. I'm pretty sure both these guys can be solid mid rotation starters. Honestly, they were both rushed this year though, Zebby more so. At least Festa had a decent amount of time at AAA, but Mathews started the year in A ball. Had like a month or so at AA where he did pitch like sn ace, but then he only had 2 or 3 starts at AAA where he got knocked around. If it weren't for injuries and lack of depth, Mathews should have finished the year at St Paul. I think Festa will be our fifth starter next year with Mathews and Morris as 6 and 7 waiting in the wings. Cory Lewis and Raya both probably need another full year in the high minors.

Just like Varland, it’s a huge luxury to have a 6th starter with half a season of MLB experience to build on, still has 5+ years until free agency, and pitched pretty well, all things considered.

the rotation gives me a lot of optimism over the next 3 to 5 years and Zebby as the 6th starter for 2025 is a huge part of that

[USAFChief]

28 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Just like Varland, it’s a huge luxury to have a 6th starter with half a season of MLB experience to build on, still has 5+ years until free agency, and pitched pretty well, all things considered.

the rotation gives me a lot of optimism over the next 3 to 5 years and Zebby as the 6th starter for 2025 is a huge part of that

Matthews has "pitched pretty well?"

 

I sure hope he's not counted on as #6 next year. 

I guess payroll could force that. I hope not.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

7 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

Matthews has "pitched pretty well?"

 

I sure hope he's not counted on as #6 next year. 

I guess payroll could force that. I hope not.

The guy started the season in A ball… lower your expectations a bit considering circumstances.

Now that you mention it, it would be great if Festa started the season at AAA too, and Mathews were 7th or lower, I don’t see that happening, as payroll will likely crunch the roster.

im still very optimistic about the rotation and Zebby specifically