Tom Verducci on the Draft

Over on SI.com, Tom Verducci talks about the draft becoming more and more part of the game and crucial to the success of GM's. He does a really good job explaining why the draft has become more important. They are the usual suspects: free-agency and a need for finding the next big thing.

In the article, he brings up the idea that pitchers, especially, are coming to the majors quicker than ever. Honestly, I have always thought that star minor leaguers spent too much time in the minors, so I'm glad they are moving faster. As for pitchers, I think they, especially, should be moved faster. If you have 3 good pitches and have dominated at the minor league level, then let them have a shot. Hitters need to learn more strategy and plate discipline at the minor league level, but for pitchers, the catcher can be the source of strategy. Young pitchers probably shouldn't be able to shake off a catcher for that reason. The pitcher is like a computer: it has all the tools and all you have to do is tell it what to do. Most of the time, I hear command is a reason for keeping pitchers in the minors, but seriously, if you can't teach them command in two years of absolutely monopolizing their time, then their command probably won't get much better. Get them up there, and if their command stinks, then put them in the bullpen. Bullpens need arms, too.

Instead of keeping the young arm in AA or AAA, why not put them in the long-relief spot? At that point, they get to pitch against major league hitting but usually in low-leverage situations. Although they will have some high-leverage situations, that's good for them and the team to see if they can succeed. Also, the youngster can throw in multiple innings every once in a while to see if they can make it throught multiple turns in the lineup. Then, the team can still monitor and control the amount of innings that the youngster pitches. It worked for Johan Santana, and I think it's the best idea for guys like Joba Chamberlain and Max Scherzer (who should've started the year in the majors). As for being able to get back into the rotation, Santana did it and Chamberlain is trying. In reality, young arms are better at transitions because they heal faster and are in better condition.

So, by all means, let the rushing begin.