The Process Versus Blue Jays Pitchers

Back to American League East baseball…

Jo-Jo Reyes

Reyes is back in the majors after throwing just 30.1 big league innings in 2009 and 2010 combined. The former farmhand in the Atlanta Braves system throws left-handed and can reach the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball. He also throws a slider, changeup, and the occasional curveball. Expect the usual lineup vs. left-handed pitching.

Brandon Morrow

Morrow will make his 2011 debut after starting the season on the disabled list (elbow). The 26-year-old had a breakout season in 2010 even if his 4.49 ERA suggests otherwise. His fastball lives in the mid-90s and his slider is a legitimate wipeout pitch. He also throws a curveball and a changeup. Morrow was lights out against right-handed batters (using his plus slider) while battling with control issues versus lefties.

Ricky Romero

Romero has flown under the American League East radar since joining the division full-time in 2008.  The lefty throws up to five pitches a night, led by a fastball in the low-90s. He has a good curveball and a really good changeup.  Because both are thrown more against right-handers – especially the changeup – we could see a little Danks Theory in motion against Romero.

Bullpen after the jump….

(Three-year samples used when possible)
*Career numbers because of small sample size in recent years. These tables all exclude 2011 stats

(Favors means the split is +/- .020 points)
Matchup favors LHB: Rauch, Frasor, Camp, Janssen, Dotel
Matchup favors RHB: Rzepczynski, Francisco, Villanueva
Matchup is a push:

(Credit to Chris St. John for the data)

The Rays left-handed bats should be in good shape against most of the high-leverage are relievers for the Blue Jays. Francisco is arguably their best reliever, and shows a reverse split, but he is fresh of the disabled list. Dotel is also easing his way back from injury. Historically, he has been crushed by lefties.