Matusz Tonight

[Frobby]

I was really hoping he would pitch that next inning. He could be incredibly valuable down a stretch run in that role, gaining confidence for next year as well.

Buck said that since Matusz is the only lefty in the pen, he wants him available every day until rosters expand. So don't look for any multiple inning outings.

[jonesing4pie]

I was really hoping he would pitch that next inning. He could be incredibly valuable down a stretch run in that role, gaining confidence for next year as well.

I was the complete opposite. If we are truly trying to use him in this lefty specialist role down the stretch, then I didn't want to risk him getting eaten up the next inning and losing whatever confidence he has left.

[survivedc]

Buck said that since Matusz is the only lefty in the pen, he wants him available every day until rosters expand. So don't look for any multiple inning outings.

Yeah saw that a little while ago, and I guess I agree with him, its just the fan in me, wanting to see matusz do well. I guess he will have an expanded role come september.

[jjdman]

.

BRIAN MATUSZ O(vs. BLUE JAYS, 8/24) *

IP:O 0.33

H:o. 0

R:O. 0

BB:. 0

SO:. 1

Pitches: 3 (3 Strikes, 0 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.40

* This was Matusz' major league debut pitching out of the bullpen. Previously, he had pitched in 68 games over 4 seasons, all of which were starts.

Just a suggestion buddy but how about posting his 2012 ERA for both starting and relieving ?

[OFFNY]

.

BRIAN MATUSZ O(vs. WHITE SOX, 8/28)

IP:O 2

H:o. 1

R:O. 0

BB:. 0

SO:. 2

Pitches: 24 (19 Strikes, 5 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.28 OO [sTARTER: 5.42] OO [RELIEVER: 0.00]

[Frobby]

He looks much crisper than when he left. I still think he can be an effective starter.

[JayThomas]

He looks much crisper than when he left. I still think he can be an effective starter.

Me three. That was a thing of beauty tonight. He looked like a man with a purpose. When he can control his FB like that and snap off curveballs that make major league hitters - good major league hitters - look silly, he makes you remember why he was so highly touted not so long ago. Come on Brian - we need you now in this role and we need you to set yourself up to get back in the rotation for us.

[lovetoaster]

His mechanics were so much better tonight. He also looked much more relaxed. That was the guy I saw in Spring Training. I realize the game was a blow out so there was less pressure, but I'm hoping this serves to build his confidence.

He threw two curves, two sliders, and one change up that were just nasty, nasty, nasty, but the secret was the easy 91, with finish, in good spots. The pitcher I watched tonight has huge talent. Hopefully, he can show us that more going forward.

I liked that Matusz that I saw on the mound tonight. I was worried about how he would adjust to the relief role, but after I saw his performance the other night against Toronto and his postgame interview, I was not as concerned. He seemed excited and confident, and I had not seen that guy in a long time. He came back tonight with excellent command and control tonight and I really like what I am seeing.

I don't think it has ever been about stuff or talent with Brian, it has been confidence. When he has it, he can be very good.

[scOtt]

I'm happier about Matusz' outing tonight than Tillman's outing, and Tillman was throwing F U ' s all night.

[Frobby]

His mechanics were so much better tonight. He also looked much more relaxed. That was the guy I saw in Spring Training. I realize the game was a blow out so there was less pressure, but I'm hoping this serves to build his confidence.

He threw two curves, two sliders, and one change up that were just nasty, nasty, nasty, but the secret was the easy 91, with finish, in spots.

Exactly. Some people get so focused on velocity, but an easy 91 with finish and location beats a straight 93 down the middle of the plate any day.

[JayThomas]

I'm happier about Matusz' outing tonight than Tillman's outing, and Tillman was throwing F U ' s all night.

I missed all of Tillman's outing and literally walked in as Matusz took the mound, or I'd probably be raving about Chris as well. But shoot, I haven't seen BM look like that since yeah, late in the 2010 season. He looked like a guy who has figured it out. Now all he has to do is keep doing it and maybe it really will click in like muscle memory.

[weams]

Buck said that since Matusz is the only lefty in the pen, he wants him available every day until rosters expand. So don't look for any multiple inning outings.

Well. I guess that changed now.

[Frobby]

Buck said after the game that since he has lefty starters going the next two days, he felt comfortable extending Matusz.

[OFFNY]

Buck said that since Matusz is the only lefty in the pen, he wants him available every day until rosters expand. So don't look for any multiple-inning outings.

Well, I guess that changed now.

Buck said after the game that since he has lefty starters going the next two days, he felt comfortable extending Matusz.

OOORealpolitik.

[Frobby]

Good points here. I did not notice that he was only going out of the stretch.

I went back and watched his innings again. Best curveballs I've seen from him in years. Smooth fastball release. Got the ball and threw with a nice tempo. He looked completely different. Maybe there is something to Peterson after all... wow.

Don't leave Griffin out of the conversation, either. Matusz has said positive things about him on several occasions. And remember, it was only about two weeks ago that people were blasting Matusz because Peterson made some comments that suggested he hadn't spent much time doing anything with Matusz because had told him he was getting comfortable with his delivery.