What's Wrong With Sonnanstine?

[CTaka]

I had read a lot of things about how we should expect bigger and better things from Andy Sonnanstine this year, how his actual pitching last season was better than his ERA showed. He certainly hasn't shown much so far this season, so what's the deal - is this the real Sonnanstine (he was overhyped by those that expected more) or is he likely to turn it around? Will he be headed to the pen when Kazmir returns?

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

So far, Sonnanstine adapted fine to every level that he played at, AA, AAA.

But have some patience with him. If he will stay at Tampa Bay, it will be his first full season at MLB. Give him some time.

Maybe he can not live up to the expectations, but I think that he will turn things around.

[zengator]

Sonny needs to be paired with a veteran catcher. Riggans called a poor game the other night, imo, which is understandable since he's a rookie himself.

When Navarro comes off the DL, I get the impression that DeFelice is staying with the team and Riggans is going back to Durham. At least I hope so...

[Eddiey]

Sonny needs to be paired with a veteran catcher. Riggans called a poor game the other night, imo, which is understandable since he's a rookie himself.

When Navarro comes off the DL, I get the impression that DeFelice is staying with the team and Riggans is going back to Durham. At least I hope so...

I've wanted DeFelice since day one to be the backup. Navarro and the young
pitchers need a veteran catcher to help them along.

[raysnbran]

When you only throw 85-89 MPH, you must hit your spots and keep hitters off balance to be successful at this level, and so far, Sonny is not doing that. Whether he's not shaking off his rookie catcher enough is part of the problem, Maddon made a point of saying he got away from the game plan against the Yankees on Monday. But if the starters develop in the next year or two, he will be relegated to the bullpen anyways. The staff could look like this by 2009:

Kazmir
Shields
Garza
Niemann
Price

With Hammel, Jackson, Sonnanstine fighting it out in the bullpen, or being offered in trades for depth...

[zengator]

Sonny was available in the bullpen last night if needed. I think that might be a sign of things to come when Kaz and Garza come off the DL:

Kazmir
Shields
Garza
Jackson
Neimann, imo.

[raysnbran]

Sonny pitching a shutout so far tonight thru 8, 5-0! He is working quickly, just like Buehrle does for the opposition, and hitting all his spots, and his fielders tonight are doing their jobs unlike last night. Tonight he looks like a solid #5 starter for any team, he just needs to be consistent to stick in the rotation, as Garza and Kazmir will be back within 2 weeks...

[Eddiey]

Sonny pitching a shutout so far tonight thru 8, 5-0! He is working quickly, just like Buehrle does for the opposition, and hitting all his spots, and his fielders tonight are doing their jobs unlike last night. Tonight he looks like a solid #5 starter for any team, he just needs to be consistent to stick in the rotation, as Garza and Kazmir will be back within 2 weeks...

He looked great!!!!! He didn't get to cute with his breaking pitches. Sonny
said after the game he threw his fastball and let his other pitches feed off
of it. Great job!!!!!!!!!

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

That's pretty weird: Jim Tocco is telling that Sonnanstine had a complete game shut out. But according to MLB.com the game is not finished yet.

[zengator]

That's pretty weird: Jim Tocco is telling that Sonnanstine had a complete game shut out. But according to MLB.com the game is not finished yet.

It was too quick for them - 'twas the shortest game in Trop history.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

You know what the fun part was last night. Jim Tocco was saying exactly the same that I have said a couple of times:

Sonnanstine has adapted himself to the leagues he has been playing in so far, and it looks like he found his grove now.

Sure it is only one game, but a promising one.

[CTaka]

Seemed like a much better game plan for Sonnanstine. He did a great job hitting his spots; but perhaps some credit also goes to Riggans for calling a better game?

If Andy stays aggressive and hits his spots, hopefully he can keep his rotation slot even after Kazmir and Garza return.

[jcmitchell]

Sonnanstine has to stay aggressive becuase hitters just sit on his breaking stuff. He is a 4/5th starter/reliever and a 3rd starter best case. Don't get me wrong, I like the guy a lot but his stuff isn't going to fool hitters more than two times through a lineo.

[CTaka]

Sonnanstine has to stay aggressive becuase hitters just sit on his breaking stuff. He is a 4/5th starter/reliever and a 3rd starter best case. Don't get me wrong, I like the guy a lot but his stuff isn't going to fool hitters more than two times through a lineo.

Staying aggressive is definitely critical for Sonnanstine. Last year, batters only hit .241 against him when he threw a first pitch strike (and only slugged .392). When he threw a first pitch ball, the average jumped up to .335 and the slugging percentage zoomed to a whopping .606. And this year, the split is even more dramatic. So staying aggressive and throwing strikes, especially first pitch strikes, is very important to his success. Fortunatley for him, excellent command is one of his strengths.

Obviously I like the guy. He is smart and really does his research to try and make up for his lack of overpowering stuff. Greg Maddux has proven that you don't have to throw 95 to be a great pitcher. No, I'm not saying that Andy will ever be in that class. But I admire someone who seems to play the game the right way, who really uses his head. I think that if he stays aggressive and pitches off the fastball (instead of the breaking ball), he has the command and a very good K:BB ratio to be better than a 4/5 starter.

[Eddiey]

Phil Rizzuto once said about Eddie Stanky. "He can't run, hit or throw. All
the little SOB can do is win." Sonny in my mind the pitcher version of an
Eddie Stanky.