SOPHOMORE JINX

ROB SANFORD

When a 2nd year player fails to live up to their rookie year....it's called the "Sophomore Jinx." It seems that's  what has been going on with Rick Porcello so far this season. He looked awful in his last start against Texas....getting behind in the count then having to throw fastballs which the hitters were sitting on. His devasting sinker of last season doesn't seem to fool anyone anymore, so maybe its time to change his pitching pattern. I don't really believe in "jinxes" I think it's more a case of the league now seeing you for the second season and have a pretty good idea what you feature. I don't think Porcello will have an entire year like what we've seen from him so far...at least I hope not.

Jim Leyland was just looking for trouble when he used Dontrelle Willis as a reliever for one inning. Willis needs more than one frame to find his "groove" so I'm not surprised he wasn't successful. I know, I know...the bullpen was short and Dontrelle needed some work after missing a start because of the flu..but when you trail by just 2 runs it may not be the best time to let him relieve. On the other side of the coin...what's up with Eddie Bonine?? He has been outstanding so far, with a record of 2-0 and an ERA of 1.50....with the only 2 runs he's allowed being 2-solo home runs.  I wish I could say the same for Brad Thomas... who has given up 10 runs in 10 innings of work to go along with 16 hits and 9 walks.  In the meantime....Armando Galarraga is 3-1 in Toledo with an ERA of 2.22 to go along with 20 strike outs, and just 4 walks in 24 innings. Also, hitters are just .180 against him so far this season. Maybe he's solved whatever what was bothering him. Would Brad Thomas look good in a Mudhens uniform??