[BigBadBuc]

The decision has been made. Oliver Perez is the starter on opening day for the Pirates. Snell is in the rotation also.

BBB

[wvuauthor]

Below is the full article...

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06081/674483.stm

It looks like the only thing left to decide is Duckworth or Santos in game #2..any guesses?

[BigBadBuc]

My hunch is Santos because of the rule 5 money.

BBB

[BigBadBuc]

Oliver looked very good against the Red Sox. 7 Strike outs in six innings. David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez looked real bad against Mr Perez. OoooooH,
Wouldn't it be sweet if Ollie comes on strong this year.

BBB

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by BigBadBuc

The decision has been made. Oliver Perez is the starter on opening day for the Pirates. Snell is in the rotation also.

BBB

They BBB, I can still pick him up in my fantasy draft, is Oliver back to what he was two years ago?

[wvuauthor]

Gotham,

It is tough to say at this point. He has looked pretty good during spring training, but you know how deceptive that can be. I would take him if I were you...

[BigBadBuc]

Gotham,

His Velocity is around 90 MPH. That has to improve some. His control is much better and he is in good shape this year. He's not at the 2004 level of performance yet but he is moving in that direction for sure.

BBB

[wvuauthor]

One thing I worry about with Perez is the mental side of his game. I think that he can get easily frustrated, but hopefully as he gets older this will improve.

A good opening day performance would go a long way in helping to improve this.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by BigBadBuc

Gotham,

His Velocity is around 90 MPH. That has to improve some. His control is much better and he is in good shape this year. He's not at the 2004 level of performance yet but he is moving in that direction for sure.

BBB

I took the gamble...grabbed him, started him and he came up huge!...9K's 1 ER, 3H, in 5-2/3 IP...95 pitches thrown...Huge!...I like this kid

[BigBadBuc]

Gotham,

That's awesome! Perez can get a whole lot better. You may have a great year with him.

BBB

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by BigBadBuc

Gotham,

That's awesome! Perez can get a whole lot better. You may have a great year with him.

BBB

Yes, its a gamble that might pay off big...

[wvuauthor]

Today, Perez put out a very good performance. But one thing I am concerned with is his velocity. I am wondering how many games he can win throwing at around 90 mph..

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by wvuauthor

Today, Perez put out a very good performance. But one thing I am concerned with is his velocity. I am wondering how many games he can win throwing at around 90 mph..

For someone whose velocity was under 90...he got a truck load of K's...what gives?