After doing a couple mediocre rookie spotlights (Brignac and Sizemore), I thought it was time to spotlight a big name rookie. Brian Matusz (pronounced “Matt-us”) is the favorite for American League Rookie of the Year in a lot of people’s eyes. Is Matusz actually worth all the hype he’s receiving? Let’s take a look:
Power: B+
Contact: A-
Stamina: A
Approach: A
Arsenal: A-
Hype: A+
Intangibles: B+
Overall Rating: 72 out of 80
A 72 rating is very promising. Matusz has ace potential, but he is likely a #2 or #3 pitcher.
Comparable Players: Derek Holland, Left-Handed version of Matt Garza, Tom Gorzelanny
What to expect in 2010? Through 57 Major League innings, Matusz has a 28.6 GB%. That simply will not fly at times, especially pitching in the AL East. That being said, ground balls aren’t everything. When Matusz is not busy enducing fly balls (hopefully lazy fly balls), he will rack up his fair share of strike outs. Matusz has struck out 53 batters in 57 career MLB innings. I’m expecting hitters to catch on at some point this season, dropping his K rate to around 7.5 per 9 innings. I think Matusz will look unhittable at times this season, but will also go through his share of rookie woes. Going back to the intial question, yes, he is worth the hype. AL Rookie of the Year sounds like a reasonable title for Matusz.
2010 Prediction: 150 IP – 7 Wins – 130 K – 59 BB – 4.39 ERA – 1.35 WHIP
Related posts:
- Rookie Spotlight: Mike Wilson Generally when I write about rookies, I call them Prospect...
- Who is the Rookie of the Year? Now that we have reached the All-Star break it is...
- Prospect Spotlight: Alexi Ogando Alexi Ogando is a 27 year old Starting Pitcher that...