Should Alderson be put into the Altoona rotation?

by Jay32600 on May 16, 2011 5:47 PM EDT

Tim Alderson has gotten off to an excellent start in the Altoona bullpen, posting a .84 ERA, .938 WHIP, and 9.3 K/9 in 21 IP so far this season. When (if at all) should the Pirates consider moving him back into the rotation? It is obviously very early in the season, and 21 IP is a very small sample, but with how well he has pitched so far the idea of moving him back into the rotation has to be under consideration at some point I would imagine.

Also, I have not had a chance to see him pitch (and have not noticed any scouting reports on him this year) so if anyone knows how he is looking the information would be greatly appreciated. Do the results he has gotten so far look legit, or more like a fluke?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

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he did pitch 3 innings in his last start

but i honestly dont know if they should start him or not. i saw him pitch last season; loved his offspeed stuff until i was told it was his fastball

sarcasm

by white angus on May 16, 2011 5:55 PM EDT reply actions

3 innings

was because the game went into extras, i think…. but it’s still good to see him pitch 3 and not get lit up.

by BurgherKing on May 16, 2011 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Alderson might be a Daniel McCutchen-type.

He could be better in short outings since he’s able to throw harder. I’d be hesitant to mess with him after he was such garbage since coming over in the trade.

by Suffering Buc on May 16, 2011 6:19 PM EDT reply actions

I don't necessarily think he is throwing harder...

NH was quoted somewhere (I’ll try and find it) as saying that his stuff isnt any better, he is just trusting himself more. Tim over at piratesprospects said he was around 90-91 in his 3 inning stint, which is not overpowering enough to think that he should be a bullpen guy because his stuff plays up

by goodtymes31 on May 16, 2011 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions

90-91 is a lot harder than he was throwing last year

by maguro on May 16, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions

same speed as correia and faster than maholm

by white angus on May 16, 2011 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions

This year

He has been 88-91 and his curveball is really a plus pitch. When I saw him no one could touch it. Hope that helps.

by aso513 on May 16, 2011 7:47 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

His curveball moves a ton

but both times I’ve seen him, he barely has any control of the thing.

by PuncSpeedChunk on May 16, 2011 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Better as a reliever?

Maybe being a reliever will be how he gets to the major leagues. If he’s working out as a guy coming out of the pen then maybe they should just keep him there.

Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.

by Black&GoldTrain on May 17, 2011 3:50 AM EDT reply actions

With his history I believe he should be left alone for now to see if his success continues in longer, 2-3 inning, relief appearances. If he makes it into mid-summer pitching well then maybe give him a shot at starting again.

by Kev S on May 17, 2011 9:14 AM EDT reply actions

i completely agree with you

plus hes only 22, and i believe the youngest guy on his team right now. lets continue building him up through his success for now

by white angus on May 17, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Everyone's

favorite outfielder, Quincy Latimore is approx. 4 months younger. I agree with the basic assessment. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.. at least not yet.

Da'Sean Butler - A Mountaineer Legend

by McCutchenIsTheTruth on May 18, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

QL is everybody’s favorite? Don’t you mean everyone’s afterthought?

by MarkInDallas on May 18, 2011 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he meant that sarcastically, though, of course, I cannot speak for MITT

The glare of the spotlight is harsh, and the pressure that success breeds immense. We revere our heroes, but expect much. And criticism can come as easily as praise.

by glass0941 on May 18, 2011 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions