Chris Tillman mentioned that he would be content with a bullpen spot in a recent interview. I am starting to think that his skill-set fits perfectly for the bullpen. He has a straightish fastball but if he can ramp it up to 97mph (+4mph) then he can get away with it by only facing the opposition once. It will also tremendously help him utilize his big curveball.
Thoughts?
Not yet...Let him work with Rick P on his mechanics.
This team continues to screw him up...so put him with a guy known for mechanics...Give him a half to a full season working with Peterson and if after that, its still not working, put him in the pen.
He is still young enough to where you can wait on this.
No. Don't need anyone with command issues out of the bullpen.
IMO, a bullpen should be full of guys who throw heat and throw strikes. Tillman doesn't fit that mold.
I'd let him keep starting but I also said a couple weeks ago that I thought he could have a Gregg Olson type career out of the pen.
If he reaches 26 and still doesn't have it then maybe. He is still only 24. Getting through the lineup multiple times isn't a problem, he has shown with no hitters he can do it at least twice. The problem tillman has had is being more efficient without becoming more hittable. I agree with SG, let Peterson work his mechanics, let Griffin work his mental skills and see what he can do.
The comment I think reflects that tillman sees this as a MLB problem for him, and that he has learned what he can in AAA. That might be an obstacle to his development if they don't stick him in the bullpen.
Originally Posted by Sports Guy
Yes !
I've seen Tillman come out blazing in the first couple of innings and fall apart quickly afterward several times so the bullpen might be the best spot for him but it's not going to matter what role he's in if he's throwing a 90 mph straight fastball.
Hah! You're right vab; I'm not so much concerned what Tillman's role is at this point compared to my concern with him getting back to throwing a mid-90s fastball with movement. If he continues throwing an 85-90mph fastball with no movement, we're probably not gonna have much use for him regardless.
Tillman's been good about half the time, and (within that half) excellent about 20% of the time. I don't agree with those who don't like his stuff, but his stuff and command has varied from one start to the next way too much. For me, it's all about whether Tillman can develop some consistency.
When's the last time he's thrown 97 mph and kept it in the strike zone? he'd blow guys away, I don't care how "straight" his fastball is...and...that did NOT happen at all last year.
I agree with you completely! However, what I found to be odd is when asked if he had changed anything during the offseason the answer was no. If the Orioles thought that was the solution, I think they would have worked with him during the offseason. Bad sign.
You mean, good stuff-wise or good in general?
And yeah, I should have said "develop more consistency with his stuff." We all know he has ML stuff when he's healthy and throwing with proper mechanics; it's just a matter of him being consistent, I guess.
You're going to hate this reply, Rob, but let them ALL work with Peterson. For as long as mgmt. can force them down in the minors! Matusz and certainly Tillman. Maybe even Jake or Zach! WHATEVER Rick could impart to ANY of them, even if only for weeks, can only help.
The cavalry, with whatever late word they can incorporate into their skillset, are on their own. The Bundys are MUCH more likely to benefit from Peterson than anyone else. This year's picks. The future.
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