Casey and point, Rays need strong season from Fossum
Devilrays.com has a nice story about how Casey Fossum is trying to become stronger and more consistent. I'm not going to argue either of those facts. I mean, just look at this right here:
Take last season. During his last 11 starts he averaged 10.34 strikeouts per nine innings. And in four 2006 starts against the Red Sox, he pitched a 1.16 ERA and posted a 2-0 mark. Conversely, he experienced three outings where he could not get through the second inning.
Fossum has too many tools to be as mediocre as he has been during his career. Obviously, staying healthy is a part of it. This is nothing but a gut feeling on my part (God, I sound like one of those managers that doesn't look at numbers but just plays his feelings), but I think Casey is finally going to break out and have a decent year this year. Which, of course, means that he'll likely be traded late in the season. Ah, such is the life.
I agree about Fossum. He was a top prospect for the Sox, and was a decent reliever and spot starter during his short tenure in Boston. I think he can become a solid No. 3 or No. 4 starter in Tampa Bay. He definitely needs to get stronger and more durable.
Jeff
http://www.bosoxbanter.mlblogs.com
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I don't recall anyone here in Boston ever questioning Fossum's stuff. I just remember him being very, very slight of build. I'm curious what this new regimen will do for him. Perhaps his frame just isn't meant to support that much bulk.
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Well, it's not as if we're counting on Foss to be a franchise pitcher. He's a few years from being easily replaced in my mind.
I'd start looking at Foss becoming a reliever, especially with his now twice-repaired labrum.
If we do in fact draft Price, who did an interview on a Rays blog(gotta do some cheap plugs once in awhile, I apologize), Foss is either going to have a future as a reliever...or in LA.
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Absolutely right Jake - Fossum's stuff was never in question. Its always been said that he had a lights-out slider to go along with a decent big-league fastball. He was always tall and slender and LOOKED like he'd be injury prone (which he's been). Hopefully some bulk will help him.
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