It seems that openers have fallen out of favor a bit, but I can't help but wonder if some of the Sox starters could benefit from an opener. While Eovaldi and Perez have been pretty steady performers regardless of which turn through the order they are on, Richards, Pivetta and Rodriguez have substantial splits:
Rodriguez
Richards, on the other hand, would benefit from starting his outing against weaker hitters. I think we mostly assume that pitchers struggle the third time through due batters getting comfortable with more looks, fatigue, or both. None of these factors should be causing Richards problems at the start. It's more likely that there is something mental or physical going on that is reducing his effectiveness early in the game. Maybe giving Richards the opportunity to get through that rough phase against weaker hitters would reduce some of the damage that he takes the first time through the order.
Valdez and Whitlock both seem like they could be candidates to be an opener.
I imagine there are good reasons not to try an opener strategy. Surely the team has considered it? I'd be interested to know what the thinking is.
Rodriguez
- 1st time through order: .336 wOBA against
- 2nd time through order: .301 wOBA against
- 3rd time through order: .428 wOBA against (!!!)
- 1st time through order: .301 wOBA against
- 2nd time through order: .299 wOBA against
- 3rd time through order: .411 wOBA against (!!!)
- 1st time through order: .432 wOBA against (!!!)
- 2nd time through order: .306 wOBA against
- 3rd time through order: .388 wOBA against
Richards, on the other hand, would benefit from starting his outing against weaker hitters. I think we mostly assume that pitchers struggle the third time through due batters getting comfortable with more looks, fatigue, or both. None of these factors should be causing Richards problems at the start. It's more likely that there is something mental or physical going on that is reducing his effectiveness early in the game. Maybe giving Richards the opportunity to get through that rough phase against weaker hitters would reduce some of the damage that he takes the first time through the order.
Valdez and Whitlock both seem like they could be candidates to be an opener.
I imagine there are good reasons not to try an opener strategy. Surely the team has considered it? I'd be interested to know what the thinking is.