about Carlos Hernandez

[OldBlevins]

Astros.com expects him to sign as non-roster invitee.

The Link

And what a great game last night!

[S.P. Rodriguez]

If the increase in velocity and sharpness is true, does he surpass Zeke or Wandy in the rotation?  IIRC, the reason he was outrighted was his injury history, making him less likely to be picked up by another team, and he was out of options.

[Texifornia]

There was a time there when he first came up that I was convinced that he was going to be a Cy Young caliber lefty. His injury was devastating, particularly because it didn't happen while pitching.

What a great thing it would be if he could find his old electric stuff.

[EmirOfSchmoe]

He could be very useful if he can learn how to pitch and get some of his old stuff back.

[cc]

Quote:
He could be very useful if he can learn how to pitch and get some of his old stuff back.

This would be great, great news, especially if the "improvement" gets him close to what he was.  I loved that guy's stuff and makeup for the short time he was dealing pre-injury.

[Tralfaz]

I'm a big fan of this guy.  I'll throw in that I saw his one of his last starts last year.  Unforetunetly he looked quite mediocre, laboring through his innings and still lacking velocity.  Hopefully, that can still come back, but he's probably learning how to pitch without it.  His stats from last year- 5-8 in 21 G/GS, 5.56 ERA, 89 IP, 99 H.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

That's pretty much what Jim and the rest of of the Round Rock Regulars said too.  The improved velocity is promising but I suspect the Astros, like everyone else, are taking a wait and see approach.  The guy is still young and had nice ability prior to the injury but it all relied on his solid fastball.  Without that velocity, he wasn't having much success.  If the new exercises allow him to regain the strength and flexibility he needs to dial it up to the 90's on a regular basis, he could be effective again.  Odds are it won't happen though... unfortunately.