David Robertson Version 2.0 could be gracing Yankee Stadium in 2010. Who is could it be, you ask? It’s our equally diminutive right handed pitcher with ridiculous strikeout numbers, Mr. Jonathan Ortiz. Ortiz comes in at 5’10”, an inch shorter than Robertson, but posts numbers just as big.
Since Ortiz and his power changeup came over to the states in 2006 he hasn’t posted a K/9 lower than 10.00. He hasn’t had a walk rate above 2.50. His career strikeout and walk rates per nine stand at 12.2 and 1.74, respectively. You would have trouble replicating those numbers in MLB: The Show, even if you cheat. Last year, splitting the season between Charleston and Tampa, he managed his most efficient season, striking out 7.6 batters for every one he walked.
In 2008, David Robertson started his season in Trenton at age 23, pitching only 18 odd innings before he got the bump to Scranton. He stayed in Pennsylvania a bit longer, but soon found himself in the Bronx striking out the likes of future Yankees Xavier Nady and Nick Swisher. Ortiz, 24 years old, could start next season playing for the Thunder and if he performs the way he’s shown he can, he just might be booking a travel schedule similar to D-Rob.
10 Comments
Kevin S. December 4, 2009 22:44
He’s a little old. Those *are* video-game numbers, but let’s see him do it against his appropriate age level before we go nuts.
Brian December 4, 2009 23:39
what about Melancon?
Daoud December 5, 2009 14:50
Melancon isn’t a strike out pitcher, he is more of a contact pitcher who can throw strikes.
Stephen December 5, 2009 15:28
I would be a bit shocked if he actually started in Trenton considering how poorly Tampa went last year and all the guys ahead of him. Olbrychowski, Rulon, Hovis, Norton, etc. coupled with likely Arias returning.
kino4 December 5, 2009 22:31
Whatever happened to Humberto Sanchez?
Joe December 6, 2009 09:25
He was eaten by Romulo Sanchez
Chip December 6, 2009 12:25
Melancon isn’t a strike out pitcher, he is more of a contact pitcher who can throw strikes
Melancon struck out 8.4 per 9 in 2008 and 9.2 in 2009. I’d call that a power pitcher to me.
Also you have to consider that Ortiz is a side-armer who’s out pitch is a change-up. Those are two traits that typically allow you to thrive in the minors and the first time through the majors but major leaguers tend to figure them out (see Edwar Ramirez).
I’d say that guys like Grant Duff, Michael Dunn, Melancon, Romulo Sanchez, De La Rosa, ect get a shot long before Ortiz does.
Nolan December 6, 2009 20:29
The tags ruined the suspense : (
K.B.D. December 6, 2009 21:03
To be fair, Edwar Ramirez never displayed the control that Ortiz has. I don’t know what video you’ve seen of Ortiz, but I wouldn’t describe him as a side-armer. Maybe a low 3/4 delivery, but not side-arm in my opinion.
Of course people on the 40-man are going to get a shot at claiming a bullpen spot before someone like Ortiz. But this time last year, we probably all thought Melancon would be the first person from AAA to earn significant innings. Turned out to be Robertson.
nightowl51 December 9, 2009 11:55
Humberto Sanchez was cut last year.