For all intents and purposes, Hiroki Kuroda was a rookie last year. Sure the 34-year old pitched 11 years in the Japanese Professional League, but anyone in the Major Leagues will tell you there is no comparison.
And therefore, Kuroda had his growing pains last year, and still came out of it with a 9-10 record and a very good 3.73 ERA. He was also very sharp in the playoffs.
Now, a lot is expected of the Dodgers $35.3 million dollar man.
Kuroda is now a year wiser as far as facing Major League hitters, and the second year of his three-year pact with the Dodgers is expected to be a good one.
And if Spring Training is any sign, he is picking up where he left off.
Kuroda pitched three scoreless innings against the White Sox on Thursday, striking out two and allowing only one hit without walking a batter. He has not been scored upon in five innings this Spring.
Kuroda's second year could be a big one, and it is very much needed because the pitching staff has some questions to answer.
Xavier Paul is one of the people most affected by Juan Pierre asking for a trade, because the 24-year old former 4th round pick now has a better chance of making the club.
If Pierre is indeed traded, Paul could join Delwyn Young as extra outfielders. Paul brings a good mix of power, speed and defense. He hit .316 with nine homers and 17 stolen bases in Triple-A a year ago.
I'm gonna have to do a fifth starter report in the next day or two, but I am kind of holding out to see if there is any information on Jason Schmidt before doing so.
Eric Milton didn't help his case on Thursday, allowing three runs and six hits in two innings. Claudio Vargas has been mediocre and James McDonald got roughed up Wednesday. Haven't heard anything on Shawn Estes in a few days and Jeff Weaver has been largely absent.
There will be more to follow on this.
Also, there should be an audio file up tomorrow afternoon with me discussing the National League West.
Kuroda is a good 3 or 4 pitcher in the rotation, asking him to more might not happen. He is the most seasoned pitcher in the current rotation ahead of Wolf with his Japan resume and I agree should improve a bit this year. Only concern is that Japaneese pitchers tend to drop a bit after the first year (I think hitters get used to their funky windups).
Not sure if I want Paul or Repko...before the Furcal collision I was a huge fan of Jason and what he brought to the team, last year was his first one healthy in three years and he lost a bit. I hope he finds it and can contribute, but if not Paul is a five tool player who has one of the best arms in the minors.
Bring back Brett Tomko to pitch the fifth! Seriously if these losers are the best we can do! Time to seriously look at Elbert and McD! Weaver, Milton, Vargas, Estes and Schmidt are a joke!
Scouting on Paul says he is a fourth outfielder at best just like Young and Repko, why not give the dude (Mitch Jones) who has three jacks and ten RBIs already? That guy is gigantic...oh wait that is Pascucci I was looking at.