Sulbaran question

JCS's numbers look better this year and his K/IP looks good (though his K/BB ratio could be better). I don't know that much about the Bakersfield park, but have seen where it favors the hitters. Do you think that Sulbaran's numbers are skewed much by pitching there? It would be nice to think he might be making a big step forward this year and may be ready to step up in AA next year.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/m...pbp&pid=543833

If the park was affecting him, that would only show up in his hr rate, and that hasn't really been a problem so far. Consistency seems to be the thing holding Sulbaran back. Go check out his starts and you'll find a handful of absolutely dominating outings surrounded by others where he shows spotty control and doesn't miss as many bats.

When I saw him in Dayton a few years ago, he wasn't throwing much over 91-92, but was really relying on a big breaking curveball. Maybe it's a Donnie Joseph situation where he's somewhat hittable if batters can lay of his breaking stuff?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Superdude

If the park was affecting him, that would only show up in his hr rate, and that hasn't really been a problem so far. Consistency seems to be the thing holding Sulbaran back. Go check out his starts and you'll find a handful of absolutely dominating outings surrounded by others where he shows spotty control and doesn't miss as many bats.

When I saw him in Dayton a few years ago, he wasn't throwing much over 91-92, but was really relying on a big breaking curveball. Maybe it's a Donnie Joseph situation where he's somewhat hittable if batters can lay of his breaking stuff?

---

It would go further than just the HR's. The air is considerably thinner in a lot of the parks than most of the minor leagues.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dougdirt

It would go further than just the HR's. The air is considerably thinner in a lot of the parks than most of the minor leagues.

---

Are you talking about the bite on breaking balls?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Superdude

Are you talking about the bite on breaking balls?

---

Among other things. The thin air lets the ball travel a little further than it otherwise would. It leads to a few extra hits finding the grass both inside and outside of the park.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dougdirt

Among other things. The thin air lets the ball travel a little further than it otherwise would. It leads to a few extra hits finding the grass both inside and outside of the park.

---

Whatever impact that may have would also be countered by the fact that the centerfielder has fifty less feet to cover behind him. I'd say it's pretty much a wash as far as balls in play go, especially with a sample size like Sulbaran's.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Superdude

Whatever impact that may have would also be countered by the fact that the centerfielder has fifty less feet to cover behind him. I'd say it's pretty much a wash as far as balls in play go, especially with a sample size like Sulbaran's.

---

That only comes into play in home games and there are still 8 other positions on the field that have to field balls other than center.

Isn't the whole California League a hitter's paradise. Most of the teams play at altitude. I'd be pretty happy with Sulbaran if he maintains his k/bb ratio and is able to play a whole season. That would be a nice step forward.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RedLegsToday

Isn't the whole California League a hitter's paradise. Most of the teams play at altitude. I'd be pretty happy with Sulbaran if he maintains his k/bb ratio and is able to play a whole season. That would be a nice step forward.

---

Yep. There is one park in the league that isn't a very favorable hitters park.