CWSGuy406
02-28-2004, 04:43 PM
I'm going to play devil's advocate and provide a different take on Billy Koch, as maybe he will rebound and have a successful 2004 campaign.
First, Koch almost threw half of what he threw in other years. He pitched only about 53 innings, as opposed to 95 or so in 2002 with Oakland. I'm hoping that maybe some of the lack of pitching last season will add to his velocity (I'm not positive that it would have any effect.) and keep him a bit healthier this season.
Second, I really think Coop will help him out, adding movement to his rope-like fastball. Granted, if he gets up to 98 that movement isn't as important, but if Koch is only throwing 94-96, it'd help if he'd be able to throw a cutter, or just be able to get his pitch right where he wants it.
Third, after last season, there is no where to really go but up (I hope, at least, lol). I think he has a little less pressure on him to perform, although it is good that there are a couple of guys who can fill the closer role with Flash's departure (Koch, Shingo, Politte).
Saying that, I think Koch is a big key to our bullpen. If he has a successful 2004 campaign, then pressure is taken off many of our other relievers and guys won't be "forced" into roles. For example, if Koch can succeed, Shingo won't have to perform as a closer but rather a setup man, Politte can possibly do the same as Shingo, Marte will be able to pitch several innings and not have to worry about closing, and Wunsch will be able to do his job (sorry for that rambling sentence, hehe).
Thoughts?
P.S. Not relating to the topic, I'm planning on going to the Sox Garage Sale, and I want to purchase a Garland home jersey (the cutoff one, normally worn with a black sleeve shirt underneath). How much would it cost for one not game worn? And, that place near the ballpark that Dave Wills advertises normally after games (I can't think of the place), it sells all the different types of jerseys, how far from the park and on what street is it on, and the name of it? Thanks for any help.
First, Koch almost threw half of what he threw in other years. He pitched only about 53 innings, as opposed to 95 or so in 2002 with Oakland. I'm hoping that maybe some of the lack of pitching last season will add to his velocity (I'm not positive that it would have any effect.) and keep him a bit healthier this season.
Second, I really think Coop will help him out, adding movement to his rope-like fastball. Granted, if he gets up to 98 that movement isn't as important, but if Koch is only throwing 94-96, it'd help if he'd be able to throw a cutter, or just be able to get his pitch right where he wants it.
Third, after last season, there is no where to really go but up (I hope, at least, lol). I think he has a little less pressure on him to perform, although it is good that there are a couple of guys who can fill the closer role with Flash's departure (Koch, Shingo, Politte).
Saying that, I think Koch is a big key to our bullpen. If he has a successful 2004 campaign, then pressure is taken off many of our other relievers and guys won't be "forced" into roles. For example, if Koch can succeed, Shingo won't have to perform as a closer but rather a setup man, Politte can possibly do the same as Shingo, Marte will be able to pitch several innings and not have to worry about closing, and Wunsch will be able to do his job (sorry for that rambling sentence, hehe).
Thoughts?
P.S. Not relating to the topic, I'm planning on going to the Sox Garage Sale, and I want to purchase a Garland home jersey (the cutoff one, normally worn with a black sleeve shirt underneath). How much would it cost for one not game worn? And, that place near the ballpark that Dave Wills advertises normally after games (I can't think of the place), it sells all the different types of jerseys, how far from the park and on what street is it on, and the name of it? Thanks for any help.