Quick Looks: Wacha, Noesi, Holland

Note: I usually try to pick the most recent game the player pitched. Sometimes the MLB video has issues and other games are picked. Also, if a say a pitch moves 11-5, it is from the pitcher’s perspective.

 

Hector Noesi

Why I watched: Looks like he will make the White Sox rotation.

Game(s) Watched: 9/26/14 vs Royals

Game Thoughts

• The 28-year-old righy’s fastball was between 90-95 mph with some glove side run and drop. It really straightens up has he increases the velocity.

• His 86-87 mph change was a really good with some glove side break and hard down movement. It got a 15.3% SwStr% on the season.

• His 12-6 curve was at 82 mph and was only a swing-and-miss pitch with no chance for called strikes.

• I sort of expected his 2015 season results to be better, but home runs (1.5 HR/9) has been his down fall. Also he walks too may hitters (2.9 K/9) for only having a 6.4 K/9.

Final thoughts: He needs to find a way to allow few home runs and walks. In this age of pitching, he just doesn’t do enough good things right now to be a consideration for a roster spot. If he shows some improvement in his stats, I would not be surprised though.

 

Michael Wacha

Why I watched: Coming back from mid-season shoulder injury.

Game(s) Watched: 9/26/14 vs Diamondbacks

Game Thoughts

• I wanted to see his last start of the season, but the broadcast was just about unwatchable since Arizona just hired Dave Stewart. I think I got more shots of the Arizona front office in their box than game footage.

• The 23-year-old righty was all over the place with his pitches. He lost control of each one at times and should have been more efficient.

• He seemed to struggle out the stretch, but it was not born out in is full season stats.

• His regular fastball was at 94-96 mph and “rises” some as seen by a 9.5% popup rate. The high popup rate teamed with a 10% SwStr% make the pitch good.

• He also threw a 89-91 cutter which broke down and to the glove side. I liked the downward movement and groundballs (53%) generated by this pitch.

• Historically his bread-and-butter pitch is the change (61% GB%, 16% SwStr%). It was horrible for a couple of innings, but he finally got it going. It was between 86 to 89 mph with some late sink. I wonder if it is a split-finger with its high velocity.

• Finally he threw a 76-77 mph 12-6 curve. Once he was able to command it, it was a nice fourth pitch.

• He can’t afford to take a couple of innings to warm up. Spring training will tell a lot with him.

Final thoughts: I was happy he was finally able to get his command down in the third inning to see a spark of what he might be. I want to see if he is able to get the ball over the plate regularly to start the 2015 season before investing too much in him.

 

Derek Holland

Why I watched: He came back to pitch a few games after a pre-season injury.

Game(s) Watched: 9/22/14 vs Astros

Game Thoughts

• It is nice to watch a polished pitcher. The 28-year-old lefty attacked hitters with the Kershaw trio of pitches, fastball, slider and curve.

• The 90-94 mph fastball was straight with possibly a bit of rise. Pitchf/x labels the pitch a sinker, but it has no sink as seen by a GB/FB ratio over one. He worked the pitch generally in two locations, on the inside and outside edge.

• His 81-83 mph slider had some slurve action to it with some 10-4 break. He seemed to be able to control the break amount on it.

• Finally, he threw a 73-76 mph curve which also broke in the 10-4 direction which he threw for a strike when needed.

• The slider (24%SwStr%) and curve (14% SwStr%) are both good swing-and-miss pitches.

• His strikeout rate is down for the season (17% vs 20%), but his SwStr% (10%) points to K% closer to 20%.

Final thoughts: I see couldn’t find a reason to not own him in 2015. All his pitches are there and he does a great job working a batter. If his price correct, don’t feel bad about picking him up.