What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

[bkrich83]

What's up with King Felix? 0-3 4.57 ERA? Only gotten past the 5th once so far? 4 longballs in 4 starts.

[snepp]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

I'd take those #'s over anything the Twins starters have done.

[NoSkillz50]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

just had a good start only giving up 1 er although due to errors they gave up 3 total runs

i thnk hell be fine
his whip is still pretty low and hes getting Ks like crazy i thnk hes just been a little unlucky

[Stoud]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

Well, Felix is still very young. The guy is younger than me. I think he's had some trouble because he's still learning, still trying to tweak his game a little, and I think as a result he's throwing less fastballs. That's his premier pitch, so when he's trying to rely on everything else, it just doesn't work out that well. Might also be worth a mention that the M's are supposedly keeping a tight rope on him, making sure he doesn't work too many innings -- for health reasons. They want Felix to be a premier guy in their staff for years to come, and seeing how guys like Prior have come up and dominated only to be bitten by the injury bug at such a young age has definitely taught them some lessons, not to mention a certain player who shall remain nameless who was supposed to be "the next Randy Johnson".

Felix really hasn't pitched all that horribly. As has already been mentioned, most people will take that ERA any day. The losses have more to do with being pulled early and lack of run support. The M's have been playing better ball so far this year, but better for them means keeping the score close enough to scratch a win by. That makes for exciting baseball, but even more heartbreakers. It sucks a lot more to watch your team lose by one or two runs than by 5 or 6.

Felix will be fine. He might not win 15 games this year, but that won't be his fault. I'm just glad that our young guys (Lopez, Betancourt, Reed) are doing as well as they are, and IMO that should continue. Richie Sexson is great....as a DH. When all your power hitters hit for a .260 or worse avg, it equals out to a lot of high and low scoring games...more low scoring than high. It would help if the black hole at third base could get plugged up. I'm hoping we trade Beltre by the All Star Break.

[Rook]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

From the games I've seen him pitch in this year it seems like he's giving up too many runs early on in the game. I believe 2 starts in a row he gave up a few runs in the first inning and then settled down from there. He mentioned in an interview that his control hasn't quite been what it was late last year yet but hes feeling better every time out. He'll be fine though, I always look forward to watching him pitch and hope to see him in a Mariners uniform for a long time.

Regarding Beltre, I have no clue what to think of how he's been doing lately. I was really excited when they signed him a few summers ago but he hasn't done much at all during his time here yet. Some say his slow start is because of the WBC like a lot of other players so hopefully he'll turn it around. I wouldn't trade him just yet.

[Sedihawk2K5]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

From the games I've seen him pitch in this year it seems like he's giving up too many runs early on in the game. I believe 2 starts in a row he gave up a few runs in the first inning and then settled down from there. He mentioned in an interview that his control hasn't quite been what it was late last year yet but hes feeling better every time out. He'll be fine though, I always look forward to watching him pitch and hope to see him in a Mariners uniform for a long time.

Regarding Beltre, I have no clue what to think of how he's been doing lately. I was really excited when they signed him a few summers ago but he hasn't done much at all during his time here yet. Some say his slow start is because of the WBC like a lot of other players so hopefully he'll turn it around. I wouldn't trade him just yet.

Don't forget, Felix lost a few valuable weeks late in spring training with his shin splints. He was shut down and missed at least 3 starts. He's probably only now getting into shape with his legs and everything, and he looked early on like it was extended spring training. He's kind of got a soft body as it is, but he's thick, sort of like a Roger Clemens body type where he's big and strong, but carrying some extra lb's. He's also an extreme strikeout and groundout pitcher, so when he's giving up the long ball and a lot more fly balls than he regularly does, you know he doesn't have his normal command.

You are right, though, after the first in his last start he really got in a groove. I'd bet May is going to be a very good month for him!

As for Beltre? I was right with you, just thrilled to think they were signing a 25-year old 3rd baseman coming off a .334, 48HR season. But I didn't pay enough attention to his previous 4 years. Everyone thinks that 2005 was a down year for him, but in reality, it was right in line with his career #'s before the 2004 MVP-type run. He's the epitome of a guy cashing in during a contract year (much like Beltran did in the same year, 40 HR's and Mr. October in 2004, then .266 with 16 HR last year??) and now he's going to be back to putting up .250/15-20/80 with a strong glove, like it or not. He could put together another monster year here and there, sure, it's possible because he has actually done it, but looking at his career as a whole, it's a lot more likely we'll keep seeing the non-2004 Beltre.

[Scottdau]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

What's up with King Felix? 0-3 4.57 ERA? Only gotten past the 5th once so far? 4 longballs in 4 starts.

Mmm he is 20! lol

[stalsy2310]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

Mmm he is 20! lol

yah every batter he faces is older than him and for the not pitching over 5 innings is probably because hes only 20 and could have 10-20 years left in him and they dont want him to throw alot.

[Stoud]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

Don't forget, Felix lost a few valuable weeks late in spring training with his shin splints. He was shut down and missed at least 3 starts. He's probably only now getting into shape with his legs and everything, and he looked early on like it was extended spring training. He's kind of got a soft body as it is, but he's thick, sort of like a Roger Clemens body type where he's big and strong, but carrying some extra lb's. He's also an extreme strikeout and groundout pitcher, so when he's giving up the long ball and a lot more fly balls than he regularly does, you know he doesn't have his normal command.

You are right, though, after the first in his last start he really got in a groove. I'd bet May is going to be a very good month for him!

As for Beltre? I was right with you, just thrilled to think they were signing a 25-year old 3rd baseman coming off a .334, 48HR season. But I didn't pay enough attention to his previous 4 years. Everyone thinks that 2005 was a down year for him, but in reality, it was right in line with his career #'s before the 2004 MVP-type run. He's the epitome of a guy cashing in during a contract year (much like Beltran did in the same year, 40 HR's and Mr. October in 2004, then .266 with 16 HR last year??) and now he's going to be back to putting up .250/15-20/80 with a strong glove, like it or not. He could put together another monster year here and there, sure, it's possible because he has actually done it, but looking at his career as a whole, it's a lot more likely we'll keep seeing the non-2004 Beltre.

Don't forget that both Beltre and Beltran switched leagues from NL to AL, and adjustment has a lot to do with it. At the very least, Beltre should be putting up .270/20-25/80 a year, and what he's doing right now just doesn't cut it.

[bkrich83]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

Mmm he is 20! lol

And?

Every Mariners fan seemed to annoit him the second coming. Hell one even went so far as to say he had the best stuff in baseball on these very forums.

How old was Dwight Gooden when he won his Cy Young?

I don't think anyone is denying the kid is good, but he's not quite what Mariner fan had sold him as, at this point in his career.

[BGarrett7]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

How old was Dwight Gooden when he won his Cy Young?

Finished second at 19, won it the next year at 20.

[Scottdau]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

And?

Every Mariners fan seemed to annoit him the second coming. Hell one even went so far as to say he had the best stuff in baseball on these very forums.

How old was Dwight Gooden when he won his Cy Young?

I don't think anyone is denying the kid is good, but he's not quite what Mariner fan had sold him as, at this point in his career.

I know I laugh at all those post! The truth is he has wicked stuff, but it will take awhile before he really starts to develop. Once a team figures you out, you need to chance up. If you do not, you will be back in the minors, but I know you know that BK lol. I think him and Matt Cain have great future, but you never know!

[Scottdau]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

Finished second at 19, won it the next year at 20.

Yeah, but the chances are he was on something or high, so he didn't have time to realize he was 19 and doing the impossible! All kidding aside Doc was just plain awesome and had incredible stuff!

[Thrasha]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

And?

Every Mariners fan seemed to annoit him the second coming. Hell one even went so far as to say he had the best stuff in baseball on these very forums.

How old was Dwight Gooden when he won his Cy Young?

I don't think anyone is denying the kid is good, but he's not quite what Mariner fan had sold him as, at this point in his career.

Are you serious?

The guy could be easily be in the top ten in pitching as of right now. Filthy stuff. He's 20 years old. Let him mature some more.

[bkrich83]

Re: What's the scoop with Felix Hernandez?

Are you serious?

The guy could be easily be in the top ten in pitching as of right now. Filthy stuff. He's 20 years old. Let him mature some more.

Waiting for him to pitch like it. 4 starts gotten past the 5th once. I know he pitched well against Detroit in his last start, but for all the hype he's gotten the past year and a half, he has not pitched well.

I am not doubting he's going to be an outstanding pitcher. But best stuff in the game? Not just yet.