Today the Tigers announced that they have optioned RHP Thad Weber to Toledo and have purchased the contract of RHP Luke Putkonen and added him to the 40 man roster.
This move does a couple things IMO. It provides a bit more clarity into who will start in Fister's rotation spot in 4 days, as Weber will now not be considered for the job. That pretty much narrows it down to Duane Below and an unnamed other pitcher. I outlined my thoughts on the subject in my post last night. Furthermore, the move adds another bullpen arm to the Tigers somewhat depleted staff, in addition to Villarreal who was recalled last night
Putkonen was a starter for the entirety of his professional career up until this year. He was a sinkerballer as a starter, but like most sinkerballers, when he left his fastball up in the zone it straightened out considerably an got hit hard. He made the move to the pen in spring training this year and received rave reviews; mostly citing the increased velocity on his fastball and improved sharpness on his breaking ball.
Putkonen is pretty much a 2 pitch pitcher, featuring a sinking fastball and a curveball. His fastball was clocked in the mid to upper 90's following his move to the pen, with average-solid life at the plate so long as he keeps the ball down in the zone. His curve is inconsistent from the tape I've seen, but when it's on, it's definitely an out pitch.
Pretty much, Putkonen could either be boom or bust IMO. I don't see a lot of middle ground potential here. If he's on, keeping his fastball down where the late life and increased velo can generate swings and misses in addition to ground balls; in addition to his curve staying sharp with good command, then he can potentially be a very good late innings guy. If hes not on, and his fastball stays up in the zone and straight, then he's going to get hit around, plain and simple.
No comments:
Post a Comment