Crotta is expected to be added to the 40-man roster tonight.
Still waiting to confirm this, but from what I’ve been told, Indianapolis Indians pitcher Michael Crotta will be added to the 40-man roster tonight, which will protect the right hander from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Crotta was eligible for the first time in 2009, although he was coming off a season with a 4.76 ERA in 143.2 innings, with a 6.1 K/9, a 2.1 BB/9, and an 0.4 HR/9 ratio at the AA level.
Crotta started off strong in AA in 2010, with a 1.78 ERA in 25.1 innings over four starts, with a 5.7 K/9, a 1.1 BB/9, and no homers allowed. He moved to AAA, where he put up a 4.93 ERA in 131.1 innings, although his ratios were strong with a 6.1 K/9, a 2.5 BB/9, and a 0.7 HR/9. You can see Crotta in action in this video recap of his April 13th start with Altoona.
Crotta is a sinker ball pitcher, with a 90-93 MPH fastball. He’s been hit hard as a starter in his minor league career, although he usually gets off to a good start, and allows damage later in the game. His command has really taken a step forward in the last two years, leading to his increase in value in 2010. The overall numbers as a starter don’t look great, but Crotta’s ratios and pitch selection make him a solid Major League relief prospect, possibly making the 2011 team out of Spring Training.
July 2, 2012 at 10:55 am
No. If you are trying to put your fastball on the corners vice merely throwing the curve for a strike the fastball is harder to get strikes. I.e. command vs. control.
The only reason I care about this is that casual Pirate fan looks to the media for their opinions. When an article posts a negative picture when it’s not true I point it out. I also point out when media/bloggers paint sunshine and happiness (i.e. Owens and Locke are #3 starters).
Pittsburghers need SO little to hate on the Pirates……while they’ll defend the Steelers/Pens to their last breath. Drives me crazy.
July 2, 2012 at 4:36 pm
We need to agree to disagree on the BB/9 rate. You are making some assumptions that I disagree with to get to your conclusion.
I wouldn’t call this picture untrue – the data is 100% correct. And my conclusion is based on the data – I’d feel better if he was as dominate as most of the rest of the future aces have been. As I’ve acknowledged, the painting is likely incomplete due to factors that aren’t known about development strategies and their effect on the numbers. I think it is more fair to call this ‘not complete’ than to call it ‘not true’.