Braves Pummel Kendrick; Rosario Sharp In Loss
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Tue, March 04, 2008 09:22 PM | Comments: 4
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Kyle Kendrick got knocked around today in a 10-1 loss to the Braves. In fact, it was Kendrick’s worst outing as a member of the Phillies, giving up seven runs on nine hits in just 2.2 innings. The defense around him only aided to his struggles, as Carlos Ruiz made an errant pickoff throw and Geoff Jenkins had a bad throwing error in right field.
For that dark cloud, there was a tremendous silver lining: Francisco Rosario was spectacular. The righty vying for a middle relief spot went 3.1 innings, giving up just two hits while striking out four and walking none. That’s a nice rebound from a spotty outing a few days ago. I never minded Rosario, just as long as his control was smooth. He has the type of velocity you’d want in a middle relief guy — someone who just gets outs and quickly. This outing really helped his cause, especially as one more Minor League demotion means he’s waiver fodder.
Ryan Howard had an RBI single in the first inning. Not a lot of focus is on Howard’s fine play at the plate so far, and maybe there should be. The big man has been spraying the ball all over the outfield, hitting both lefties and righties. And he’s only struck out three times.
Eric Bruntlett continued his strong hitting, Shane Victorino went 2-for-3, and that old Greg Golson got a hit in his only at bat. He’s hitting a clean .750 for the Spring (not counting his B-game performance).
Vic Darensbourg had a scoreless inning, though he gave up two hits, while closer-ad-interim Tom Gordon gave up three runs on three hits in his one inning.
What we got out of this game:
- That Kyle Kendrick’s 2008 status will probably scare us for a while longer.
- There’s hope yet for Francisco Rosario.
The team will break into two for its first split-squad foray of the Spring. One half will play the Blue Jays. Brett Myers gets the start. The other half will play the Tigers, which will begin with JD Durbin. Chances are we’ll see Chad Durbin and Shane Youman, as well.
Posts: 0 Gnomicide
Not good for Kendrick, but he’s a guy who can rebound from it. It’s only spring.
However, Gordon is worrying me. I think the guy might be completely out of gas.
Posted: 10:07 PM on March 4, 2008
Posts: 0 NateB
Both Kendrick and Gordon are fine so far- they are just experimenting with some pitches in spring training. Kendrick’s working on a change up and Gordon is building strength for his curveball. There’s nothing to worry about until something like this happens in the regular season. Besides, Kendrick needs an outing like this so he can learn the art of “rebounding and making adjustments.”
Posted: 11:34 PM on March 4, 2008
Posts: 1650 Tim Malcolm
Kendrick said his changeup wasn’t quite working; hopefully it’ll become part of his regular repertoire for the season. Still, I’m not at all convinced he’s going to post the numbers he posted last year.
Posted: 12:07 AM on March 5, 2008
Posts: 0 dan
Kendrick’s young and his sinkerball is developing because it’s still early spring. I do have some concern about hitters making adjustments to him now that they’ve seen him once or twice. Let’s hope he adjusts as much as the hitters.
Posted: 09:24 AM on March 5, 2008