Quote:
Originally Posted by jacksonianmarch
I see the point. But IMO, the extra levels create roadblocks which allow a pitcher to build up arm strength. You use the argument that Buch hasnt been a pitcher for all that long. That means that he will need more time to build up the arm strength than it would for a pitcher who has a long history of being a pitcher. Skipping A+ ball essentially decreased his wait time by a yr IMO, but it also may have cost him a season of 150-180 innings, which is what he desperately needs prior to making the big jump to a huge workload.
I have made no bones about it with Hughes, I had hoped he would stay in the minors all yr and log 180IP. Therefore, he'd be more ready for the bigs at 200+ next yr. Injuries, need and his injury have derailed that for the time being. I think Buch could really use this season at about 150-160IP and next season start the first month or so on a limited PC in AAA until a callup in May/June. Therefore he could get up to 190-200 for the yr and be a finished product in terms of arm strength.
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His target for the year is 165. He's halfway there at the break. With MiLB season ending in Sept, he can pitch for the big club to round out the year and finish it off. You overthink this stuff too often.