Jeff Locke Named 5th Starter

Originally Posted by emjayinTN This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. ://" onclick="kh99_iqts_show('288399_1'); return false;">Show Quote SR: His change was always touted as the best in the Pirate system, and it is the pitch that will keep him up in the majors. But, you are absolutely correct in that he has to have command of his whole repertoire in order to make that pitch work to keep hitters off-balance.
Aside to Kipper: I think the Pirates are enamored with the arm of Jennmar Gomez and his ability to throw between 90-96. He seems to be a kid who was rushed to the majors by Cleveland as a 22 year old in 2010, and was one of the top pitchers on the AAA Columbus team in 2011 when they finished first in the International League. He has been yo-yo'd up and down in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and I think he may be out of options - is there anything printed that gives the options available for players? Anyway, I think they are being very patient with him as a 25 year old SP with hopes that he may turn into an important add in a trade. I don't know Em. Regardless of his velocity, Gomez doesn't and never has had anything above an average Strike Out rate and average has been his max. His control has always been decent enough but all through the minors he's been hit. His H/9 in the minors is around 9.7-10 which isnt very good. if the kids been toyed with and yes he is very young, then he needs to be in the Minor Leagues. He's not ready nor polished enough for the MLB level. Pirates have Bryan Morris and Duke Welker in AAA that could be in that spot. Welker is going to be 27 this year. How much longer are we going to keep him in AAA? Morris just turned 26 and has put up back to back good consistent seasons. His BB/9 and K/9 improved last year as well. Why are these guys not on the roster but a 22 year old who was developed poorly with mediocre career results on the roster?