Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
Nice article from Mark Sheldon on Mat Latos.
Quote:
"I love the Reds organization, from top to bottom," Latos said. "Yes, it was nice to get a little bit of a breather, but at the same time, if it wouldn't have gotten done, it wouldn't have gotten done. I still would have come here without any resentment toward the front office."
During the offseason, Latos set a goal of improving the one pitch that he felt wasn't up to par in his repertoire -- the changeup. This spring, he sought out the organization's changeup guru, special assistant to the general manager and former Reds ace Mario Soto.
In the past with the Padres, Latos worked on the pitch with Trevor Hoffman, the former closer who had a legendary changeup, but Latos feels the improvement has gone to another level under Soto's tutelage.
"I think the changeup is going to be a really good pitch for me, especially at Great American Ball Park," Latos said. "[Soto] opens the door and sheds light on things that I didn't really understand, and I now understand. I'm able to throw it for strikes. I'm able to throw it behind in the count. I'm able to throw it first pitch or deep in the count."
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/...s_cin&c_id=cin
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
When Latos first came up, in his first two seasons, he threw his change up about 11% of the time. In each of the last two seasons, he has dropped to 6.4 and 4.5% with the usage of the pitch. When he first came up, the results weren't good on the change up, it was a well below-average pitch in terms of pitch value at Fangraphs. The next year it was actually an above-average pitch. In 2011, it was average to slightly above-average. Then in 2012, it was back to being well below-average. Of course, he was throwing it less the last two years. If his change up can be even an average pitch, much less a good pitch, and he favors it a little more we could see him take that "next step" forward.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
love reading stuff like this
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
If he has a changeup and his slider working consistently, he'll put up TOR numbers.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
Quote:
Originally Posted by
traderumor
If he has a changeup and his slider working consistently, he'll put up TOR numbers.
Agreed! Also, if he learns to not lose his head. I didn't follow him when he was with the Padres, but last year it seemed like every time things didn't go quite his way he would just instantly get frustrated/angry. If you want an example, look at the 6 runs he gave up to end the Reds season last year.
I like Latos a lot. I'm just hoping to see him get past these temper tantrums.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
Quote:
Originally Posted by
NebraskaRed
I like Latos a lot. I'm just hoping to see him get past these temper tantrums.
With age generally comes maturity.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
IMO, Latos will finish this season in the top 3 in the National League in Cy Young voting. I personally think he has a great chance to win it.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
I love this kid pitching in a Red's uniform. Latos is who we thought Bailey would be. Ever since he's hit the majors, he's been great. He's younger than Bailey too, YOUNGER THAN BAILEY!!!
What maturity problems? Maybe it sucks to play in San Diego.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Trajinous
I love this kid pitching in a Red's uniform. Latos is who we thought Bailey would be. Ever since he's hit the majors, he's been great. He's younger than Bailey too, YOUNGER THAN BAILEY!!!
What maturity problems? Maybe it sucks to play in San Diego.
To be fair, "maturity" has been a mark on the reports for Latos since he was drafted. Whether they are fair marks or not, I don't know, but they have been there for a while. Personally, I don't think it matters with Latos.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dougdirt
To be fair, "maturity" has been a mark on the reports for Latos since he was drafted. Whether they are fair marks or not, I don't know, but they have been there for a while. Personally, I don't think it matters with Latos.
I agree. I saw him get upset and continue to dominate and I've seen him fall apart. Sort of like a lot of pitchers who don't operate on an even keel at all times.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
Latos is a stud. Great pick up by Walt.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
Didn't Soto teach Cueto and Volquez the change-up as well? I remember reading about it when Volquez had his break out year in Cinci.
Latos is going to be a stud. I think he finishes top 5 in CY Young and takes a huge leap forward this year. Sub 3 era and 220 IP with 200K. This is the Redlegs year. Best bullpen in the NL and 2 Cy Young canidates.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
Is Latos healthy? I've seen a few blurbs that imply something is up.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kaldaniels
Is Latos healthy? I've seen a few blurbs that imply something is up.
Got hit by a liner and they had to X-Ray his ankle. No fractures. He'll be fine.
Re: Latos more at ease entering second year with Reds
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mth123
Got hit by a liner and they had to X-Ray his ankle. No fractures. He'll be fine.
Good news. Thanks.