Adononment Issues

Joan Adon vs BOS (ND) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 9 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 94 pitches.

This is always a hard SP Roundup to write. I’ve been doing this article every day of the baseball season since the start of 2015, and yet I still feel a bit of sadness on this evening, peering off into the depths of winter and relying on nothing but my inner voice telling me there will be more articles to write in the future. More incredible starts to get excited about, disappointments we need to wrap our heads around, and plenty more Gallows Pole winners to shock us all. It’s also a moment to reflect on another 180 days of baseball that always seems to go by so quickly, and the routine that comes with it. Once again, I can’t thank you all enough for you’re endless love and support across these months, and while I know I have given poor guidance along the way, the fact you’re still here and giving not only me, but the entire staff the ability to talk about this beautiful sport is truly something special. Thank you so much. Truly.

Alright, enough of that. For one last time, let’s talk about today’s games and what it means for the future.

 

Let’s see how every SP did Sunday:

 

Joan Adon vs BOS (ND) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 9 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 94 pitches.

He’s the “Abandonment Issues but with a dumb pun” of the headline as Adon was way better than any of us expected, leaving the game with just one ER to his name and two men on in the sixth frame. He boasted a 95 mph heater with a slider that earned 10/37 whiffs, good for a 43% CSW, and even placed a changeup in there for a 50% called strike rate. I’m not saying he’s going to be excellent or anything, but if he does earn a rotation spot for the Nationals next year, he may be worthwhile in 12-teamers with this stuff. Just sayin’.

Jameson Taillon vs TB (ND) – 3.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 45 pitches.

So here we are. I was very amped on Taillon entering this season and it wasn’t quite what we all expected. He had a moment where the curveball was clicking and his approach looked ready to go, but it took some time to get there and the road was bumpy. I’m glad he was able to come out and perform when the Yankees needed him, even without his best stuff and on a hurt ankle. I’m happy for him.

Charlie Morton vs NYM (ND) – 2.2 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 43 pitches.

It was only 2.2 frames, but hey, Morton still helped as he had a touch-up before his Game #1 start on Friday. He held a 5.08 ERA after his May 13th start and I’m thrilled he was able to rebound for a 3.34 mark in the end, all while boasting a near 30% strikeout rate across 185 frames. The Quiet Ace he was.

Aaron Civale @ TEX (W) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 82 pitches.

Ahhhhh there he is. The curveball showed up 35% of the time for 34% CSW, but more importantly, he stole a ton of strikes with cutters and cruised from there. When those two pitches are working, Civale gets through innings. I hope there’s some of that refinement in the off-season as he can narrow down the kitchen-sink approach to a larger focus on those two pitches + sneaking in some fastballs and maybe the splitter or slider.

Brett Anderson @ LAD (ND) – 1.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 0 BBs, 0 Ks – 0 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 8 pitches.

It’s 2021 and every day needs a bullpen game. Dems the rules. Freddy Peralta was scratched late as the Brewers had everything locked up and felt rest was best. I agree, y’all. We saw some Aaron Ashby, and if he starts next year, you know I’m here for it. It’s a major IF, though, and I hate that it is.

Michael Wacha @ NYY (ND) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 56 pitches.

Wacha ended the season on a great stretch, and I’m glad he had one more in him for those that needed the extra help. It sure wasn’t his best effort, though. I mean, just two strikeouts and six whiffs with a 21% CSW. You don’t need me. I don’t think this carries over into next year, but hey, if he sits 95 mph like this, that could work.

Ashton Goudeau @ ARI (ND) – 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 2 BBs, 0 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 57 pitches.

Who? Don’t worry about it. He tosses 93 mph with a decent curveball and changeup, and most importantly, he’s a Rockies pitcher. He’s not completely Badeau, but you shouldn’t take not like with Joan.

Reiver Sanmartin @ PIT (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 88 pitches.

Oh thank the lord. Streaming Record: 93-79. It’s not the best record, but I’ll take it. Sanmartin did the same thing a second time against the Pirates and I wouldn’t have trusted against many other squads. A 42% CSW on 89.5 mph four-seamers is pretty cool, though.

Pablo López vs PHI (ND) – 1.2 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 42 pitches.

This was pretty dope — López returned for five outs and earned four of them via strikeouts. Sure, he got Singled Out a touch, but the changeup was filthy, he spotted heaters well, and he sat 95.6 mph — he sat 94 mph this season prior to injury. I’m all kinds of excited to draft Pablo for my teams next year.

Mitch Keller vs CIN (ND) – 3.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 53 pitches.

When he got pulled from the game after just three frames, it didn’t make us say ohhh no, leave him in. I think that’s all I really need to say. Maybe he comes to camp with something new, but we need to see something different to ignite any interest for 2022.

Walker Buehler vs MIL (W) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 11 Ks – 20 Whiffs, 48% CSW, 79 pitches.

Aces gonna ACE, and likely earn himself the Cy Young. That’s a Golden Goal with a ridiculous 48% CSW and 11 strikeouts, earning 17/43 whiffs on curveballs, cutters, and sliders. Oh Buehler, you’re so dang good.

Tyler Alexander @ CWS (ND) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 85 pitches.

Wow, a Quality Start from T-Lex is astounding against the ChiSox, but here we are. The slider was shockingly good at 9/16 CSW, but he’s still sitting sub 90 mph and y’all know he’s not a super sleeper for next year or anything. This is just a period, like the Cretaceous period.

Dylan Cease vs DET (ND) – 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 69 pitches.

I wonder where Cease will go in drafts next year. I absolutely buy that his slider is legit as h*ck, but is the fastball enough? Is the curveball consistent? Will his command fizzle too frequently? I reckon he’s a late 30s/early 40s guy but who knows. Maybe earlier?

Chris Sale @ WSH (ND) – 2.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 62 pitches.

Jeeeeez Sale, you earned all seven of your outs by way of the K, but 50% of your batters reached base. That’s not exactly what you want. Two hits came off the changeup, despite being tossed just five times, and that’s been a problem for him all year. I wonder how he’ll be treated in drafts next season as he never soared like we all thought he would. We know the potential is there, will a healthy off-season bring him back to life? We’ll see.

Hyun Jin Ryu vs BAL (W) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 40% CSW, 77 pitches.

Way to come through today, Ryu, even if the WHIP got a bit out of wack by the end. The changeup was at its best early and often — 10/27 whiffs! YES! — but the heater sat below 91 mph and the cutter & curveball had rare moments. It’s great to see his changeup get back in order for once, but there are six long months before he’ll have to rely on it again, and it’s unclear if he’ll be in that groove next season. I wouldn’t count on it.

Charlie Barnes @ KC (ND) – 2.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 54 pitches.

I’m trying so hard to resist typing “Charlie hit my Singer” and for those who have no idea what I’m referencing, that’s why I’m resisting. ANYWAY, Barnes isn’t someone you need to keep track of this season as the Twins weren’t too worried about who was starting in the second half. Sorry Barnes, even with that 6/24 whiff changeup, you’re not what we’re looking for.

Reid Detmers @ SEA (ND) – 1.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 43 pitches.

Welp, I’m glad we got a glimpse of Reid again, but I feel like 2021 is a season for us to forget. Seriously, just forget all of Detmers’ 2021. It was so early in his career that he’ll be something else entirely next year and I don’t want this to dampen it.

Reiss Knehr @ SF (L) – 3.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 45 pitches.

It’s 2021 and every day needs a bullpen game. Dems the rules.

Noah Syndergaard @ ATL (L) – 1.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 0 Ks – 1 Whiffs, 13% CSW, 16 pitches.

Hey, it’s Thor again! And he’s still not throwing sliders because they hurt. I completely miffed that when I led with him last week and it’s a pretty huge factor — if Syndergaard isn’t tossing sliders, can he truly dominate with four-seamer/changeup/curveball? I’m not exactly sure he can. It’s going to be a long winter of speculation here.

Alec Mills @ STL (ND) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 54 pitches.

We got one more look at Mills and it was four innings of exactly the mediocrity we always expect. Just one strikeout, too! HAISTBMBWT?! 

Jake Woodford vs CHC (L) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 76 pitches.

The Amish Mustang didn’t put up a good show like we’ve seen in the past, but at least he didn’t demolish your day. That’s not so bad at the end of the day as it’s nice to take risks that don’t destroy you when they don’t go exactly as planned.

Tyler Anderson vs LAA (L) – 1.2 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 0 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 37 pitches.

Awwwwww. I really thought Tyler would be able to brush off his last run-in with the Angels and get a moment of redemption against the Angels. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be as he failed to record a single strikeout (HAISTBMBWT?!) across just five outs. The man was the Spider-Man for much of the year, and I’m still thankful for the wonderful outings he gave us.

Jose Urquidy vs OAK (ND) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 84 pitches.

Urquidy gave us one extra start of a PQS and a lovely WHIP. The changeup isn’t quite back to where it has been in the past, but I’d feel good rostering him in 2022 with a relatively decent floor + a good amount of upside. Think was Luis Garcia did this year, somewhat close to that. I’m here for it.

Bruce Zimmermann @ TOR (L) – 0.2 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 1 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 28 pitches.

Ouch. O’s fans, be thankful — this start helped you tie with the Diamondbacks, with the tiebreaker going to the Orioles for the 1-1 pick in the 2022 MLB draft. That matters a whole lot more than the result of today’s game. So yeah, thanks Bruce.

Humberto Mejia vs COL (ND) – 4.2 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 76 pitches.

Womp womp. He had a date with Rockie Road and we had a sliver of hope he could pull it off. Spoiler alert: He didn’t. I imagine the Sneks will have a fuller rotation next year, with Humberto(s) getting cut. Sorry fella.

Bailey Falter @ MIA (ND) – 2.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 0 Ks – 1 Whiffs, 17% CSW, 30 pitches.

It’s 2021 and every day needs a bullpen game. Dems the rules.

Cole Irvin @ HOU (ND) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 82 pitches.

He was such a fun Toby in the first half, and it had gone down to a point where we knew to steer clear of this one easily. A moment please for the canary in this Cole mine.

Dane Dunning vs CLE (L) – 3.0 IP, 4 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 72 pitches.

Sigh. The slider ain’t the pitch it has to be and it was a season of Daaannne paaaain. Hopefully he finds it sometime next year.

Logan Webb vs SD (W) – 7.0 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 0 BBs, 8 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 88 pitches.

We gotta play all the hits today — it’s the final roundup of the year, after all — so let’s thank Webb for giving us a proper Careful, Icarus as he allowed three baserunners to reach in the eighth (all singles), which all came around to score for an extra three ER. Bummer. I imagine that may have altered some championships. Anyway, what an incredible run that was for Webb, a popular spring-hype arm who seemed to fizzle out in April, hit the IL, and came back with a vengeance. Webb 2: The Quickening. I have some concerns for next year, like his sinker command being this good or his changeup not quite taking the next step, but who cares right now. Today is a day of appreciation and by golly, Webb deserves it.

Jackson Kowar vs MIN (L) – 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 75 pitches.

Pfffft of course you did. I can’t help but wonder if something truly unlocks over the off-season as he still isn’t so bad (95/96 mph!) but yeah, I hope this wasn’t the play of the day for you.

 

Game of the Day 

 

None – That’s it y’all. See you next year, enjoy the winter, and treat yourself to something nice.

Featured Image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)