Brandon McCarthy

[Chisoxfn]

First off, this maybe should go in the game thread, but the hell with that. And for anyone that has cable and hasn't seen a Sox game all year or hasn't been able to see Brandon and wasn't able to see this game, stay up late and watch the replay on ESPN 2 (I think it will be replayed late tonight) just so you can see him pitch and then catch his interview in the booth later on.

 

The guy came in and flat out pitched fantastic. I can't speak enough for how far along his changeup has came. Talking to him this past summer down in Winston and the changeup still wasn't his best pitch and he was just starting to use it with confidence after developing the new grip for it that spring.

 

Now its a plus changeup. Just watch some of the ab's where he got it over and how far out in front the opponent was. I also liked his fastball, varied from 93 to 89 but watch the movement on that and damn does he throw it for strikes something we've all known. But not only does he throw it for strikes, but he appears to be learning to waste a pitch or two and is doing a nice job throwing the fastball at the eye's and then going right back with his hook.

 

Speaking of the hook, its a big sharp curveball. Damn was it looking good. Best of all his control of the curve isn't where it will be. One thing Brandon is is a perfectionist in a sense and I think almost all aces are because they want to be able to throw any and every pitch in there arsenal where they want it and when they want it.

 

He's this type of guy and has no fear throwing a 3-2 changeup (in fact did it today) or even dropping in a 3-2 hook. Heck all you have to do on a 3-2 breaking ball is get it over and there is a good shot they'll be gone.

 

Also one thing I noticed about Brandon was he seemed to go through hitters the first time and then changed things up the 2nd time and really started throwing the hook more, often times for 1st pitch strikes.

 

I know this was one of the things some said he should work on, was just varying the way he attacked hitters.

 

Folks...after today my mind has been changed. Start him in AAA. And if a Sox starter goes down he's instantly the 1st guy they look to. Zero doubt in my mind about that. There is only one exception to that and thats if the Sox are just calling up a guy for 1 start. In that case I may give the nod to Diaz or Hermy simply because I don't want to see the Sox bring Bmac up and then throw him down and just kind of bump him all around.

 

On another note, I'm stoked cause I'll get to see him pitch later in spring because he'll be on the roster (as long as he stays healthy) until March 30th and will be starting every 5th day.

 

Oh ya, Stoney and Brantley seem to like him a whole lot too.

[AddisonStSox]

Excellent assessment Jas.

 

Brandon is the type of guy our farm system has been lacking for years now.

 

He has the makeup of an ace: both skill and composure.

 

If they continue to compare McCarthy to Prior, I'm not going to complain.

[CWSGuy406]

The national attention has begun.

 

He is, without a doubt, the best prospect in our system. He's our Jeff Francis.

 

I think next year he'll have his shot at being a starter for us. Ozzie seems to be in love with the kid.

Edited March 15, 2005 by CWSGuy406

[EvilJester99]

The thing I think I like most about him is his guts. This guy seemed to bear down a little more when someone was on base and didn't crap down his pant leg like others have done for the Sox. This kids composer is something a lot of young players could learn from. He is going to be awesome and I can't wait to see more of him.

[Spod=Ratings]

i was at school and missed msot of the game and dont wanna go through the game thread sooooo what was his stats for today?

[Chisoxfn]

5 innings, 0 ER Runs (2 runs). Don't know the hits or k's. Someone can tell you.

 

Good comparison in regards to Francis. Cause Francis is another guy that does it with control and not velocity. Still, I continue to believe and say that Bmac will develop some more velocity as he fills out. He's about 20 pounds heavier then he once was.

 

I loved how when runner was on first you saw him just hammer the lower part of the zone and get the ground balls. He also overcame the error and calmed back down and got out of the inning.

 

Fantastic outing.

[bulokis]

I am very impressed with BMAC, this is the 2nd game I saw him pitch on TV. He seems to have that composure and confident attitude that an ace needs. He is pitching great with no earn run yet. Cant wait to see mark, freddy and bmac as our top starters.

[JUGGERNAUT]

He's throwing a ton of strikes (so to speak). His ability to throw strikes vs say that of Garland is the difference betw night & day. That more than anything else convinces me that he should be in the rotation & makes either Garland or Contreras expendable. Neither Jon or Jose have consistently thrown strikes in their time up in the MLs.

 

I expect either Jon or Jose to be traded before the break & BMC in the rotation. If he's pitching this well in ST he's going to be lights out for Charlotte & with Jon or Jose expected to have at least 4-5 poor starts by then BMC will be impossible to ignore.

[Yoda]

No doubt he is dominating opposing hitters here in Spring Training. Went 6 innings allowing 2 unearned runs! Not to mention that he allowed his first walk of the Spring Training. He’s just like Buehrle, IMO. He knows how to throw strikes and gets outs right away. We got a look at how he pitches out of jams this afternoon and he does a good job of it.

 

I’m hoping we can see him in our rotation for next season.

[Rowand44]

5 innings, 0 ER Runs (2 runs).  Don't know the hits or k's.  Someone can tell you.

 

Good comparison in regards to Francis.  Cause Francis is another guy that does it with control and not velocity.  Still, I continue to believe and say that Bmac will develop some more velocity as he fills out.  He's about 20 pounds heavier then he once was.

 

I loved how when runner was on first you saw him just hammer the lower part of the zone and get the ground balls.  He also overcame the error and calmed back down and got out of the inning. 

 

Fantastic outing.

I agree with you there, he'll definitely add some more velocity which can make him down right scary.

[Steff]

I didn't realize he was that tall... he looks like Randy Johnson - minus the bad hair - from behind.

[Chisoxfn]

He's throwing a ton of strikes (so to speak).  His ability to throw strikes vs say that of Garland is the difference betw night & day.  That more than anything else convinces me that he should be in the rotation & makes either Garland or Contreras expendable.  Neither Jon or Jose have consistently thrown strikes in their time up in the MLs.

 

I expect either Jon or Jose to be traded before the break & BMC in the rotation.  If he's pitching this well in ST he's going to be lights out for Charlotte & with Jon or Jose expected to have at least 4-5 poor starts by then BMC will be impossible to ignore.

Its not even close...I'd take JG over JC any day of the week. But remember, this is a luxury. The Sox have 6 capable guys plus its a given that every team is gonna have an injury or two at one point or another in the rotation, so Brandon will get his shot.

[quade36]

Its not even close...I'd take JG over JC any day of the week.  But remember, this is a luxury.  The Sox have 6 capable guys plus its a given that every team is gonna have an injury or two at one point or another in the rotation, so Brandon will get his shot.

 

 

Even Rooney and farmer were talking about a trade to make room for him. Actually, remember the Sox still have a few Minor league pitchers as a backup plan. Adkins could be solid, so could Diaz, and I am sure they haven't given up on Munoz, Honel, Stewart and Tracy. All these guys should be in AAA this year.

Edited March 15, 2005 by quade36

[danman31]

Even Rooney and farmer were talking about a trade to make room for him.  Actually, remember the Sox still have a few Minor league pitchers as a backup plan.  Adkins could be solid, so could Diaz, and I am sure they haven't given up on Munoz, Honel, Stewart and Tracy.  All these guys should be in AAA this year.

1. Munoz blows

2. Honel is nowhere near ready for AAA. He has to pitch a complete start in AA first and who knows how good he will be coming back from the injury.

3. Tracey will be in AA, but I could see him in AAA by midseason if he produces.

[tonyho7476]

This is all so good to know. i haven't gotten to see this guy yet. I'll have to try and tape the replay tonight....

[Kogs35]

the game is not being replayed jason i just looked through my guides on directv

[Chisoxfn]

Even Rooney and farmer were talking about a trade to make room for him.  Actually, remember the Sox still have a few Minor league pitchers as a backup plan.  Adkins could be solid, so could Diaz, and I am sure they haven't given up on Munoz, Honel, Stewart and Tracy.  All these guys should be in AAA this year.

Well I know one thing, I'll puke if I see Adkins, Stewart, Munoz or Diaz in the starting rotation at any point this year with the White Sox. None of them are starters. In Diaz case, back end reliever and in Adkins and Munoz case maybe a bit more. In Munoz case he could be a pretty damn good lefty reliever.

 

As far as Honel goes, don't mention that name as a starting candidate until he pitches like he did a couple years back. Until then, he ain't a prospect. Same with Bobby Jenks.

[Rowand44]

Well I know one thing, I'll puke if I see Adkins, Stewart, Munoz or Diaz in the starting rotation at any point this year with the White Sox.  None of them are starters.  In Diaz case, back end reliever and in Adkins and Munoz case maybe a bit more.  In Munoz case he could be a pretty damn good lefty reliever. 

 

As far as Honel goes, don't mention that name as a starting candidate until he pitches like he did a couple years back.  Until then, he ain't a prospect.  Same with Bobby Jenks.

What about Neal, Jas?? Of course I mean if Walker makes the team instead of him and they let Neal start down in charlotte. I love Neal and I've said all along I think neal has a chance to be special but he needs to obviously work on his control and develop another pitch.

[Chisoxfn]

Even Rooney and farmer were talking about a trade to make room for him.  Actually, remember the Sox still have a few Minor league pitchers as a backup plan.  Adkins could be solid, so could Diaz, and I am sure they haven't given up on Munoz, Honel, Stewart and Tracy.  All these guys should be in AAA this year.

Plus to add to that, knowing you have El Duque means a guarantee that Bmac will get his shot sooner or later. Its just a matter of time. Like I think some of us said when he was signed if he gives the Sox 20 starts at what he's capable of doing its a positive move.

 

But I'm biased, I absolutely hated this move from day one. Although I like the idea of having a legit 5th starter. And I hope he proves me wrong in regards to his health.

 

I also can't stand Contreras and I'd of dumped his ass this offseason in a trade and used that money on a guy like Odalis Perez, but the hell if I know. I do agree Contreras has the stuff but that can be said about so many more failures than it can be said about the greats.

 

100 players with great stuff fail for every 1 or 2 with great stuff that become stars.

[Chisoxfn]

What about Neal, Jas?? Of course I mean if Walker makes the team instead of him and they let Neal start down in charlotte.  I love Neal and I've said all along I think neal has a chance to be special but he needs to obviously work on his control and develop another pitch.

Well my guess is Neal is in the pen. If he isn't thats where it would get interesting for me because I think Neal is the next best guy the Sox have next to Bmac when it comes to starting prospects.

 

However from all indications Neal isn't getting that shot yet, but in the future I think he will sooner or later. Neal is going to have a very good year though.

 

His control got better last year (even though many don't notice it) but frankly it wasn't very good in the minors and everything comes with progress, not just immediately to perfect.

 

He'll take some more steps forward and frankly his delivery makes his fastball damn near unhittable so all he has to do is improve the control of that pitch and get some control of his change and curve. Plus he's got that cutter now.

 

Look for Neal to make big strides. It kills me that last year he didn't start the year in Charlotte, cause if he did I think the Sox 5th starters woes would of been semi solved last year.

[Chisoxfn]

the game is not being replayed jason i just looked through my guides on directv

That sucks big time. I know sometimes I watch ESPN around 12 and they do rebroadcasts of the sporting events, they must not do it for spring training games.

 

In that case does anyone know if the Sox get another game on ESPN next week? I heard Stone say they were gonna be at TEP again next week, but I'm assuming its gonna be for a Dbacks game? If it is another Sox game that be cool.

 

Plus there will be 2 on WGN (I think).

[Rowand44]

That sucks big time.  I know sometimes I watch ESPN around 12 and they do rebroadcasts of the sporting events, they must not do it for spring training games.

 

In that case does anyone know if the Sox get another game on ESPN next week?  I heard Stone say they were gonna be at TEP again next week, but I'm assuming its gonna be for a Dbacks game?  If it is another Sox game that be cool. 

 

Plus there will be 2 on WGN (I think).

Only 1 on wgn.

[Gene Honda Civic]

That sucks big time.  I know sometimes I watch ESPN around 12 and they do rebroadcasts of the sporting events, they must not do it for spring training games.

 

In that case does anyone know if the Sox get another game on ESPN next week?  I heard Stone say they were gonna be at TEP again next week, but I'm assuming its gonna be for a Dbacks game?  If it is another Sox game that be cool. 

 

Plus there will be 2 on WGN (I think).

We play Arizona next monday. Could be that game, but I doubt ESPN is in a hurry to televise a Sox/D'Backs game.

[Chisoxfn]

We play Arizona next monday.  Could be that game, but I doubt ESPN is in a hurry to televise a Sox/D'Backs game.

That may be it. I know they said they would be there next week. I sure as hell hope so. That be so sick to see 2 Sox games on ESPN spring training.

 

My guess is they want to show different teams though. But this was the 2nd time I"ve seen the Angels on ESPN so who knows.

 

Stoney said he'd be in the booth too.

[Chisoxfn]

Only 1 on wgn.

But then the Cubs have 1 right? And its a Cubs-Sox game??