Troy Patton is began his 2nd-season after his labrum-injry, with the start today for AAA Norfolk.
In 5.1 innings, Patton allowed 3 er, 2 hits, 3 bb’s, with 5 k’s.
I feel as if a lot of people have prematurely written Patton off. I guess it is somewhat understandable. There is out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality that exists. To me, you have a player that reached the Majors at an extremely young age (21) with Houston in 2007.
While he reached the Majors that year, it is important to note that he only had 49 innings at AAA, and just 12 in the Majors. It should not have surprised anyone that after missing all of 2008 to Labrum injury, that it was going to take time for him to work his way back as a prospect.
Much was made about his noticeable drop in velocity when he returned to action last Spring. I never really understood that concern. Patton had made himself one of the Majors Top 100 prospects by his ability to pitch, not because of overwhelming stuff. If his stuff is any less than it once was, yes his margin of error decreases. Still, this has always been a guy with the ‘crafty’ lefty tab.
My feeling has always been that if he can pitch, he can pitch. More to the point, I have always believed that after a 2nd off-season of rehab, that he would regain a bit of the lost velocity.
He was extremely good at AA Bowie last-year during his 11 starts. He worked 63.1 innings, allowed just 50 hits, with 18 bb’s, and 47 k’s. He finished his time with the Baysox having a cumulative 6-3 record, and 1.99 era.
The fact that he got knocked around at AAA Norfolk really did not disappoint me. What I wanted to see, was him continuing to take the ball every 5th day, and that was accomplished.
For the year, he finished with 20 starts between AA and AAA, and pitched 108 innings. With that behind him, things now change for him in 2010. Now you have to focus on his results. I am going to enjoy seeing how he progresses this Summer. The fact that is just turning 25 in September also bodes well for him long-term.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.