Who Am I?
Jandel Gustave
RHP
Age: 24
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 210
Throws right, Bats right
How did I get here?
It seems simple enough: he was signed by Houston as a 17 year old international free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2010. But in the 2014-15 offseason, he was:
- selected by Boston in the Rule 5 draft;
- traded by Boston to Kansas City;
- waived by Kansas City and claimed by the Padres most of the way through Spring Training;
- and returned to the Astros when he did not make the Padres’ major league roster.
Contract status: not eligible for arbitration until 2020. 2 option years remaining.
Why am I here?
Gustave will provide bullpen depth while the team continues to groom him for a future late-inning role.
What are my strengths?
As Larry so eloquently put it in Bull Durham:
“This kid has some serious shit.”
Gustave will routinely touch 100 MPH. His slider is at least average and looks like he could harness it as a plus-pitch.
(Larry was full of wisdom, none moreso than, “Sears sucks.”)
What are my weaknesses?
Again with that whole lack of control issue. He’s improved markedly from his Nuke LaLoosh days in rookie ball, but he’s still unpredictable with his location.
What is my future with the Astros?
I see a bright future for this youngster. The progress in his control, the fact that he held his own during his sips of big league coffee for 2016 – I think you’re looking at a future setup man.
So learn to say his name.
(It’s “yawn-DELL”. With a soft “j”)
What is my projected 2017 performance?
| W | L | IP | H | HR | BB | SO | ERA | WHIP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 (MLB) | 1 | 0 | 15.1 | 13 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 3.52 | 1.11 |
| 2016 (AAA) | 3 | 3 | 57 | 46 | 1 | 23 | 55 | 3.79 | 1.21 |
| PECOTA | 2 | 2 | 36.7 | 39 | 4 | 16 | 28 | 4.89 | 1.49 |
| ZIPS | 69.3 | 69 | 8 | 29 | 60 | 4.28 | 1.41 | ||
| MMWAG | 2 | 2 | 60 | 57 | 4 | 18 | 75 | 3.50 | 1.25 |
Who else would I remind you of?
Other than Ebby Calvin LaLoosh? I’m seeing some Octavio Dotel here.