The Dodgers’ acquisition of RHP Noah Syndergaard made a whole lot of sense for a lot of causes. First, the Dodgers wanted one other arm within the rotation with the lack of Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney. Second, Syndergaard noticed what the Dodgers did with Anderson and Heaney and wished an analogous revitalization of his profession. And third, it was fairly nice worth on somebody the Dodgers knew they might repair.
Syndergaard got here in with excessive expectations, and up to now, he’s seemed actually good. By way of two spring coaching begins, Syndergaard has thrown 5 scoreless innings, retired 15 of the 16 batters he’s confronted, and struck out 4. You actually can’t ask for way more than that.
Whereas many have been fast to reward Syndergaard, over at Bleacher Report, Zachary D. Rymer did fairly the alternative. In his article shopping for or promote some shocking begins to spring coaching, he was “promoting” the truth that Syndergaard has returned to type. Right here’s part of what he mentioned:
“The large catch is that the 6’6”, 242-pounder’s fastball remains to be nothing just like the triple-digit terror he had on the outset of his profession. He sat between 91-94 mph his final day out on Monday, or exactly the place he was amid his unspectacular 2022 season.
“True, there’s some intrigue to be present in how Dodgers starters put up a league-best 2.75 ERA final season whilst their common heater checked out at 92.9 mph. However that had loads to do with their guys getting essentially the most out of nasty secondary choices. As a result of neither his slider nor his changeup actually stood out in 2022, that Syndergaard has even a kind of to leverage for higher ends in 2023 shouldn’t be one thing to take without any consideration simply but.”
Whereas I do agree with the truth that the Dodgers (and Syndergaard) have been hoping the speed can be somewhat larger, it’s nonetheless early in spring. After topping out at 93 mph in his first begin, Syndergaard barely improved, reaching 94 mph in his second. And regardless that the speed hasn’t been as excessive as he desires, he’s nonetheless retired 15 of 16 batters and been fairly dominant on the mound.
So, respectfully, I’ve to disagree with Rymer, and never solely as a result of I share a reputation with Noah. Syndergaard was somebody I wished the Dodgers to signal manner earlier within the offseason, and I’ve made it clear that I believe he’s going to be one of many steals of the offseason.
So, sure, the speed has been a bit decrease than anticipated. But when something, the truth that he’s nonetheless been almost excellent needs to be a constructive signal. As a result of if the speed does rise up somewhat larger, he’ll be just about unhittable.
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