On the back of brilliant pitching from Cecconi and early offense from one of the early front runners for the NL MVP award Ketel Marte the Dbacks looked the part of a playoff caliber team tonight.
Less than a week ago, Slade Cecconi turned in the worst start of his early major league career against the Angels when he allowed 7 runs on 10 hits in just 3 innings. After the game Torey was feeling the heat and getting the questions whether or not Slade was going to make his next start in the majors or in a Reno uniform.
Enter Brent Strom, who did exactly what he has done time and time again with young pitching. Doing what has made him one of the most coveted pitching coaches in the league. Strom recognized the mechanical problem, was able to correct it with the player in between starts, and was able to do it in a way in which the player was still able to just focus on pitching and not the mechanics on game day. Absolutely amazing.
According to multiple reports, Strom noticed in his last outing that he was spinning off of the ball as he was releasing it causing his front side to open up and Cecconi’s command to go all over the place. The fix? Simply have Cecconi start with his right foot turned inside more to force his front half closed. The results? Cecconi stepped up when this team needed him most facing the red hot Washington Nationals team and turned in one of the best pitching performances of the season. Cecconi needed just 70 pitches to get through 6 scoreless innings in which he was in complete control. Control like we haven’t seen in a very long time especially considering the recent struggles of the starting pitching with all of the injuries this team has faced. Do yourself a favor and if you didn’t get to watch this game, go back and watch the highlights of Cecconi. It was an absolute clinic and a reminder as to the potential his arm has. Really the highlight of this game for me for sure and ill be curious to hear your guys’ takes.
Also of very important note was Carroll catching a quick flight to Washington after his MRI on his core came back clean and demanding to be in the lineup tonight. Like a leader does! He made his impact felt immediately when he drew a leadoff walk, stole 2nd, and was driven in by the (arguably) new frontrunner NL MVP candidate Ketel Marte. All before most of us were even able to view the game! Thanks MLB.tv… Carroll Continued to whack the ball all over the park tonight going 2-3 with 2 walks. It appears as if he feels pretty good and we may have dodged yet another injury bullet with Carroll (fingers crossed).
Also of note as I mentioned aside from Marte was Joc Pederson going 3-4 and continuing to make Mike Hazen look like an absolute genius as he has clearly been a huge addition to this lineup.
Justin Martinez was completely filthy again out of the bullpen. What else is new?
And most importantly the Dbacks are just a game below .500 and in sole possession of the 3rd wild card spot once again. Lots of season left to go, but as I mentioned tonight they definitely looked like a playoff caliber team. Cant wait to see Cecconi’s next start and if these mechanical tweaks hold, what a huge shot in the arm for a struggling pitching rotation held together with JB Weld and duct tape.
Positive game and I look forward to hearing all of your thoughts or favorite moments.
Cheers!