|
Title: Congrat's, Mat Latos (MLB) Post by: Sunstroke on July 25, 2009, 01:43:00 am This season may be a total write-off for us diehard Padres fans, but the silver lining on seasons like this is that you get to see a lot more of the young stud prospects from down on the farm get called up to the majors so the club can see how they handle things at this level. San Diego's top arm in the minors, Mat Latos, was called up this past week, and pitched pretty well in his first start, giving up 2 earned in 4 innings against the Rockies (tight pitch count leash on him), with 4 K's to 1 BB. He got his second start tonight, and was allowed to stretch out the pitch count a bit, and Latos responded with 5.2 innings, 2 earned, and 5 K's to 2 BBs...and more importantly, his first major league win. I was able to watch both of his starts, and I have to say that he looks like the real deal to me, and a future 1 or 2 in the rotation. He keeps his 4-seam fastball between 95-97 mph, and he has a nice slider that comes in 15-16 mph slower, from the same release point and arm slot. His changeup needs work...it sends out a stream of morse code to announce itself to the hitter, but he throws a lot of first pitch strikes and looks like he knows how to work down in the zone. He also will probably never see another 6 runs of support like he got tonight while playing for the Padres, but it was good to see the kid pick up that first win. Go Padres!! ;D Title: Re: Congrat's, Mat Latos (MLB) Post by: Sunstroke on July 30, 2009, 03:28:15 pm Just a little follow up...because I am happy as all hell with the Padres new young gun in the rotation. Mat Latos was amazing last night against Cincinnati. One hit and one walk allowed in 7 innings, with the hit being a mistake changeup he left out over the plate that Junior Hairston mashed into the seats for a solo job. Four more K's, primarily with the 94-96 mph heater. It seemed like he threw more changeups last night than in his first two starts, but I haven't checked the actual numbers yet. Latos pitching lights out, Adrian Gonzalez and young bopper Kyle Blanks going yard...maybe it's not so bad to be a Padres fan after all. :-) |