Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
July 04, 2008
Less Power, More Control
JohnnyCueto43800005596_reds_v_cardinals.jpg

Johnny Cueto
Photo: Icon SMI

Johnny Cueto pitched seven strong innings as the Reds defeated the Nationals 5-3 Thursday night. It was his fourth good outing in a row. Unlike earlier in the season, Cueto seems to be able to pitch without his best stuff. Two of the games were like his most recent, high strikeouts and low walks. The other two, however, he only struck out two and walked three. Still, over the last four games he's only walked seven, an improvement of one walk per nine compared to the beginning of the season.

Johnny's also cut way back on his home runs allowed. Earlier in the season he was giving up about two every nine innings. Last night's shot by Dukes was the first Cueto allowed in his last four starts. A 2.13 ERA over that time indicates Cueto may be adjusting to the majors. If this trend continues, Harang, Volquez and Cueto give the Reds a fine 1-2-3 at the top of the rotation. It may not make much of a difference this season, but if Jocketty can find some offense, Cincinnati can win with those three at the front of the rotation.


Posted by David Pinto at 09:25 AM | Pitchers | TrackBack (0)
Comments

If the rest of the starters could pitch anywhere close to as well as Volquez and Cueto the Reds may avoid finishing in last place in the NL Central. With 8 starters having started games for the Reds this season Cueto and Edinson Volquez have 17 wins while the other 6 starters have combined for only 10 wins.

Posted by: Andrew Godfrey at July 4, 2008 10:33 AM
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