GDT #23, 4/26/'14: Reds (Leake) vs. Braves (Hale)

[nsacpi]

Just like 95% of the rest of mlb pitchers

Sure every pitcher has games where the command isn't there. But consistency of command from game to game is one of the things that divides those who are in major league starting rotations and those who aren't.

[nsacpi]

Yep, no one has said he's an ace or TOR starter (1-2), but he's a solid 4-5 and at times (last night), is capable of dominating.

Niners and Millwood act like he's a scrub who is lucky to get hitters out.

You can say the same about all pitchers though with their command.

I'm happy to have guys like Hale, Martin and Schlosser. They are serviceable with some upside.

[The Chosen One]

I'd take Hale over what we got out of Sugar Shane and Albie Lopez.

Hale can actually make it to 5-6 innings.

[thewupk]

What has saved Hale is that he hasn't given up any homers yet. 5.79 K/9 and a 4.24 BB/9 isn't going to get it done. He's also had a very low BABIP against which will climb eventually and at some point he will give up homers but how many remains to be seen. Either way as a #5 he is more than capable compared to other options around the league but I wouldn't expect more then that.