Comments on: Jason Motte: Three Years of the Same Critique

By: Travis F

Travis F — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:40:27 +0000

One thing somewhat lost in the closer debate is AW’s injury. Had he been healthy this year, I think Tony makes the move to McClellan much quicker. He trusts him and he gets LHs out too.

By: Travis F

Travis F — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:36:43 +0000

Callis explains that Rosenthal has seen some additional life on his fastball this year, even touching 97, while living 93-95. Sounded like that is why he was somewhat overlooked. Also, I like that he notes great control and polish.

By: Hugecardsfan

Hugecardsfan — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:09:51 +0000

Not sure if Motte’s fingers lend themselves to a splitter. I always thought that the fingers needed to be a bit oversized to command a good splitter. I freely admit I could be wrong about that.

By: PJ

PJ — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:17:35 +0000

I have always thought that a splitter would make Motte a stud. I am certainly no pitching guru or expert, but I would intuitively think that a splitter would be easier to develop for a guy lot Motte than a slider. Of course, this is probably untrue given the reality that more guys are throwing sliders than splitters.

By: JC

JC — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:34:39 +0000

I would disagree as I think he has the mentality and stuff to be a solid if not dominant closer. He continues to get the job done and never seems to be overwhelmed at any level. I have been touting Sanchez our closer of the future for a year and a half now. He hasn’t done anything in the past year and a half to make me believe otherwise.

By: cariocacardinal

cariocacardinal — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:33:57 +0000

I guess it depends on whether you think 2009 was the norm or 2010 was the norm. I’m more likely to go with 2010 and write off 2009 as a rookie year learning experience. I think that the fact that after the beginning of 2010 he got even better would support that. But I could be wrong.

By: Pierce

Pierce — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:59:09 +0000

Jason Motte has given up 15 home runs in 108 innings between 2009-2010. 10 of those HR’s came in 2009 with a FB% of 45%. He had a slightly higher FB% in 2010 (47%) and cut his FB/HR ratio between those 2 years from 13.7% to 7.9%. That 42% dropoff was mainly associated with luck, since he actually increased his FB% from the year before. He also did that pitching ~50% of his games in a very pitcher-friendly park the past couple years. A pitcher like Motte with zero sink on his fastball and practically no secondary offerings is going to be prone to the HR, like he was in 2009.

I’ll have to come back and address the comment I made about him becoming exposed to hitters (I have to leave this computer), but his issues against LHB come to play in closing out the 9th, as well.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:47:53 +0000

Wow, that’s quite a turnaround for a guy that didn’t make BA’s top 30 list. Clearly was overlooked by everyone other than the #hpgf

By: cariocacardinal

cariocacardinal — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:04:27 +0000

I think you guys are selling Motte a little short. I can’t speak to his velocity this year versus others but I will speak about results. Since mid June of last year Motte’s ERA over about 44 ininngs is less than 1.50. He hasn’t given up a HR since July 7th of last year. He started poorly in 2009 (but only recovered slightly). He started poorly in 2010 and then was pretty darn good the rest of the way. He started poorly in 2011 and seems to have righted the ship.

The bid thing that people seem to be missing with Motte is that he is lights out against RH hitters but below average against LH hitters (gives up more hits and more walks). He also is better when used with more frequency. That may not make for a good closer but depending on the team and the lineup it might make sense a lot of times if we end up with closer by committee.

I would challenge Pierce to back up his statements with facts. Motte doesn’t give up an inordinate amount of HR’s. What do you mean by exposed? I can find no evidence that he does worse facing multiple batters than just 1-2. Do you have that info?

By: Pierce

Pierce — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:52:31 +0000

That’s exactly why Motte can’t be used as a closer. He’s fine as a guy coming in to face a couple RHB vulnerable against high heat, but Motte becomes a liability when exposed. He has a high FB% and remains very vulnerable to the HR, especially when he doesn’t have the command or velocity on his fastball.

Sanchez has great stuff but still remains vulnerable to lefties. He has the best chance out of any of the current RHP prospects to take over the closer role eventually.