Affeldt to Reds as Starter (1 Viewer)

[_4_]

Decent Add by the Reds as they didn't overpay...

 

[Knightro]

The guy has had control problems forever. His best season was a walk rate of 3.8 per 9 innings back in 2004. The last 3 years have all been 5.0 or higher. That's not starting pitching material.

 

[Balco]

Still think he ends up in the pen, where he can be effective. 3 million is a good price.

 

[Eephus]

He probably still thinks of himself as a starter. Committing to try him in that role was a good negotiating tactic for the Reds.

I don't believe in him as a SP. Aside from his command issues, he's historically given up a lot of HRs. His home ballpark in Cincinnati won't do him any favors. Lack of durability is also a concern.

 

[Dudley Do-Right]

Decent Add by the Reds as they didn't overpay...

The part of that article that bothered me the most..."Cincinnati, which has three starters penciled into their 2008 rotation in ace Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo and Matt Belisle, currently do not have a veteran left-handed option for their starting staff."

Why in the world would Belisle and his 5.32 ERA and 1.44 WHIP from 178 IP be assured anything going into the spring? Especially with Bailey and Cueto looking to crack the rotation.

 

[Scott Utah Boyles]

Speaking as a long-time Royals fan, Affeldts main problem has been blisters on his throwing hand (ala the problem Beckett had for awhile). If he can get that solved, then he'll be a great SP option. The problem is that he's never been able to figure that out, and any extended innings causes the blister problem to flare up again.