Remember that commercial a few years back with Mike Vick (you know, before he tortured dogs)? The one where the fan goes on the ride called the “Michael Vick Experience”? Well, the Brett Tomko Experience commercial would be similar to that, but instead of the average fan getting the thrill of a lifetime – it’s the opposing hitters who will likely have all the fun on this ride.
Tomko has always had pretty good stuff, and I used to expect him to break out every year; taking him in the late rounds of various fantasy leagues as a sleeper candidate. Well, it never really happened. His first couple of years with the Reds were pretty solid, and then he had another good year six years later with the Giants. But all his success (and lack thereof) has come in the National League, where pitchers generally put up better numbers anyway. In the American League, I don’t expect him impress. He has done a short stint in the AL (two years with Seattle), but only pitched 120 or so innings in those two seasons, putting up an ERA of 4.68 in 92 innings and following that up with a 5.19 ERA in about 35 innings the following year.
And this guy is competing for a spot in Kansas City’s starting rotation?
Well, Luke Hochevar just got optioned to Omaha to work on some delivery issues, so I’m guessing Tomko is the guy who will take that final spot in the rotation. It looks as if John Bale will be the number four guy (don’t know how excited I am about that, either) and Tomko will be the number five. I can’t imagine it will last. I can’t imagine they’ll let Hochevar strike out AAA hitters all season while Tomko is up here in KC allowing seven runs in five innings.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for having some veteran guys in the clubhouse, even the guys who are there just to act as good “clubhouse guys”. But can’t we stick those kind of guys in the bullpen? Or have them play a utility role? Do they have to play everyday or be in the starting rotation?
I’m betting that Hochevar will be up in KC no later than mid-May or early June. I mean, he did have a good spring; going eight innings and allowing only seven hits and two runs (as well as going 2 2/3 scoreless innings in a “B” game and throwing four scoreless innings in a minor league game).
Hopefully there are just a couple of things for Hochevar to work on, and the ride will be over soon…but, for the time being, welcome to the Brett Tomko Experience…
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