Blogging About Baseball

I think so.

After his great ’06 and ’07, Justin Verlander was the poster boy of the Detroit Tigers. But last year, the fireballer took a step back when instead of pitching, he simply threw. And anyone knows that someone who pitches beats someone that throws. Just ask the Washington National’s Daniel Cabrera.

Well Detroit, there’s a new face for your pitching staff.

Last night, the Detroit Tiger’s Rick Porcello won his first major league game after shutting down the Seattle Mariners for 7 innings. He only struck out three, but he also walked none.

Porcello is the Tiger’s top prospect. He draws comparisons to both Josh Beckett and Roy Halladay (to Beckett because of his advanced skills and to Halladay for his body and pitching style). Here’s his scouting report:

• Fastball: Can reach 97 mph.
• 2-Seamer: Perhaps his best pitch, it ranges from 92-95 mph with great action, especially against righties.
• Changeup: Is not afraid to use it in any count.
• Curve: It’s a work in progress, but he’s demonstrated an ability to throw it for strikes. It’s of the 12-to-6 variety.

In his two games this year, Porcello’s demonstrated a veteran ability to get out of jams with the strikeout and also to control the strikezone. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make strides towards becoming the Tiger’s new ace.