Donnie Veal to the Pen?

[Hosak8]

This, from todays Knoxville News Sentinel (knoxnews.com):

 

Veal likely will be back with the Smokies next season but possibly as a reliever.

 

"We've going to try some things with Donnie," Fleita said. "He will get a chance to throw out of the bullpen and pitch in different parts of the game, where he will have to work on holding runners and fielding his position."

 

From top itching prospect to AA middle reliever in the span of a year? Ouch.

[Guest]

I know eventually he might end up in the pen but I'm not a fan of this move at this time. His problem is repeating his delivery/his mechanics combined with some struggles with his curve and changeup. It'll be more likely he'll correct those problems with the extra IP as a starter.

 

I'm glad to see he'll be back at AA and they won't send him up to AAA just based on his improved numbers in the second half.

[Hosak8]

I know eventually he might end up in the pen but I'm not a fan of this move at this time. His problem is repeating his delivery/his mechanics combined with some struggles with his curve and changeup. It'll be more likely he'll correct those problems with the extra IP as a starter.

 

I'm glad to see he'll be back at AA and they won't send him up to AAA just based on his improved numbers in the second half.

 

I may be jumping the gun here, but this article just confirms my suspicions that Veal is just another in a long line of overhyped Cubs prospects. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why people suggest that he could be a major piece in acquiring a big bat.

 

To me, Veal is just... meh.

[bannor10]

I wouldn't get to stressed. I think I remember the cubs putting Z in the pen for awhile.

[nilodnayr]

This might be a reaction to the favorable Marmol results. Its a trend I'm not looking forward to.

[Guest]

Hmmmm......

 

http://knoxnews.com/news/2007/oct/08/cubs-smokies-reward-each-other-for-coming/

 

By Nick Gates (Contact)

Monday, October 8, 2007

 

Veal likely will be back with the Smokies next season but possibly as a reliever.

 

"We've going to try some things with Donnie," Fleita said. "He will get a chance to throw out of the bullpen and pitch in different parts of the game, where he will have to work on holding runners and fielding his position."

 

It's time for experimentation as well as instruction.

 

"We're trying to do a variety of things with a variety of players," Fleita said.

 

Berg, who was entrenched in Tennessee's rotation (7-7, 4.95), will pitch in relief as well.

 

"It's all valuable experience for these guys." Fleita said.

 

The story is from October 8th and it's about him relieving in instructs and how that could lead to him relieving next season.

 

Where did you get your story from Nov. 12th, Hosak? I couldn't find it.

[biittner77]

I know eventually he might end up in the pen but I'm not a fan of this move at this time. His problem is repeating his delivery/his mechanics combined with some struggles with his curve and changeup. It'll be more likely he'll correct those problems with the extra IP as a starter.

 

I'm glad to see he'll be back at AA and they won't send him up to AAA just based on his improved numbers in the second half.

 

They can still get him pretty regular work out of the pen. Perhaps they figure that if he has fewer pitches but more outings it will help him sharpen his control.