I haven't written him off.. but if they are in fact 'working' on stuff', then he won't be much help as that 5th spot keeps coming around. It sounds like they don't like where he is at with his secondary offerings and thus shouldn't be a real consideration this year.
I also absolutely hate the thought process that 'don't look at his stats, he is working on stuff' excuse.. by that logic then anything Nacho or Baldwin or whoever does in AAA can't be looked at either because there is a good chance the opposing pitcher was 'working on some stuff'... either get guys out or show you have the arsenal to do so.
It’s an excuse to avoid admitting guys aren’t very good.
What about a pitcher “working on stuff” facing batters who are “working on stuff”?
We already have a pretty good idea what AJSS can throw, just like we have a pretty idea what Schwelly and Waldrep can throw. It’s not a mystery who has the best tools to work with.