May 23
RHP Rick Porcello couldn't hold onto a 3-1 lead Tuesday night, partially because he couldn't hold runners on and threw too many pitches in the heart of the strike zone. "He battled out there," C Alex Avila said. "He didn't have his best stuff. He made a couple of mistakes early on. He had a hard time staying out of the middle of the plate." Cleveland stole two bases off Porcello, who also made an error on an attempted pickoff throw. The two runners who stole plus the runner who moved up on Porcello's error all scored. "The biggest thing to me was the (two-run) sixth inning," Porcello said. "I had (CF Michael) Brantley two strikes; trying not to let the leadoff guy on, and I elevate a fastball, not in a good location. (1B Casey) Kotchman same thing; two strikes on him and again, a fastball not in a good location." "I thought Ricky had a good game plan," manager Jim Leyland said. "He probably overdid it a little bit. You've gotta be able to shut it down a little bit."
May 22
Porcello struggled again Tuesday agianst the Indians, allowing eight hits, three walks, and five runs (four earned) in 5.1 innings in a loss.
Recommendation: Porcello's ERA is now up to 5.29 and even though he struck out six Indians, his lack of both control and command is concerning. Porcello can't rely on strikeout stuff (career 4.88 K/9), so he'll need to have precise control if he's going to succeed in the major leagues.
May 17
Porcello did not have his best stuff in Wednesday's 11-7 loss to the Twins.
Advice: Porcello allowed six runs - two earned - and six hits in four innings.
