I am a firm believer that the way MLB teams develop velocity and stuff is not good for arms. Some guys are going to break. Some guys aren't going to work out. Maybe Whitley's problem are all his own. Maybe if he followed everything the Astros said, maybe he breaks just as bad. I just have a hard time being upset with a pitcher that breaks. The Astros have been really fortunate with pitching prospects that didn't break.
From 2020: Though consistency can be an issue, Whitley has five pitches that grade as plus or better when they're working. He can cut or sink a fastball that usually ranges from 92-97 mph, and hitters can't try to sit on it because his changeup has fade and depth and ranks as one of the best in the Minors. His downer curveball and late-biting, mid-80s slider both feature high spin rates, and he can morph the latter into a low-90s cutter that may be better than either of his breaking balls.
Sometimes that “long winding road” ends with a fiery death tumble down the steep cliff. The Forrest Show commences….
Lolz… I remember when he and Kyle Tucker were UNTOUCHABLE assets.. could have used him in a trade in 2018-2021… o well. Let’s see what he’s got.
Its real hard to be an optimist about the team right now. Not the future necessarily, but the right now. Pulling guys out of the minors who are not ready every few days reeks of desperation and lack of preparation for the season. But that said, it does give a chance for some guys to shine where in a normal year, they wouldn't. Maybe Forrest will surprise. The luck pendulum has to swing our way eventually.
With all the pitching injuries, any warm body that can throw the ball is going to get a chance until reinforcements arrive.
