I feel we also need something positive along with all the negative right now. If the 25 year old with the lightening bolt of an arm has really figured things out that's pretty huge for the future. In 12 starts since his worst start of the year in Miami he has put up a line of 71.8 IP 24ER 57 Ks. The point is he's improving and is actually now somebody who I look forward to seeing from start to start. Yes, he needs to give more innings per start. And with his stuff should have more Ks. He will be that much better when he uses his stuff to strike out more people and become more economical.
...^^^ Yep, Eovaldi has been a welcome surprise this year, .......... or more like the "one constant dependable or backbone of the SP Staff....." Becoming a Yankee, has done more for Eovaldi's career, than what may of been a miserable career in Miami...... Nathan's biggest changes from his selection and use of Pitches, has evolvdi(d) [evolved]; (no pun intended) from his daze in Miami vs this year in Pinstripes: Last year in Miami, Nathan used his 96-97 mph Fastball at 63% of his Pitches used. In NY, Nathan has used his fastball less***; at 42% of all pitches used. He's used his Slider and Curveball close to the same in NY and Miami...... the biggest 3 differences, are; (1)- less use of his FB, see (***3) (2)- increased use of his Change Up from 3% in Miami, to 19.5% in NY...... and (***3), the beginning of using a Cut Fastball, from not at all in Miami, to 16% of his Pitches as a Yankee......thanks MO'.......? ***3 with the use of a Fastball Cutter, Eovaldi is actually using Fastballs (in all forms), at 64% overall, not much difference, but a helluva lot of difference in having 2 types of Fastballs, ......... I'm kind of surprised Nathan doesn't use on occasion, a Sinker, Split Finger, in his arsenal......but if its not broke, then don't try to fix it.....
I'm happy to see the improvement. I'm sure or at least very hopeful the next step is working on more innings per start. With his stuff he should be getting guys out quicker.
...I heard that as of now, Eovaldi has the longest unbeaten streak in MLB...12 games, or something like that. ...if he can learn to be more efficient, he has ace type stuff.
Regardless of what's going on with the team around him at the moment this should be giving him a lot of confidence moving forward.
...yeah, that's what I meant about being "more efficient"...no reason why he should be throwing so many pitches...but he seems to be getting a little better lately. He's still very young and has a 100 MPH FB, a plus breaking ball, and a very good splitter...and when he's ahead in the count (not often enough) he's very tough.
I'd be okay going into next season with Tanaka, Severino & Eovaldi at the top of the order but I also wouldn't mind seeing the Yankees pick up a top gun (Price) during the off season.
