In an earlier post I mention that I’ve actually seen Garza pitch before this year and not just spent the winter nitpicking the crap out of his stats in the AL from Fangraphs because he cost a couple more non-Major league talent than it “should have” according to guys with opinions.

Like I said, I’ve watched Garza for a long time and his entire time with the Devil Rays. Physically, he looks like he spent alot of time on his legs, didn’t worry so much bulk (known as a gym rat with the Rays and tended to look a little hulking in the upper body), and seriously improved his flexibility on the mound. He’s in the best condition I’ve ever seen him in.

Then there’s the stuff…he’s using his slider more often in general and his cutter even more often against lefties. His fastball was hitting as high as 96 maybe even 97 on opening day, and it also looks like he’s set on using his 92-93 MPH two seamer more often as I’ve seen that alot more often than I expect from him so far. He hasn’t really brought out his curveball or changeup yet either…I think he might feature his curveball less here but who knows…but yeah really the guy looks like he’s ready to take a step forward.

If my arguments for Garza sat only in the world of numbers then I would not have wasted my time or yours in these little debates of ours. Since no stats are actually important but are still worthy of being brought up, what do you think of his 40% GB rate and 14/7 GB/FB ratio? I mean we’re arguing bs numbers apparently, and you really disliked the flyball rate coming in.

Also, enough with the ace thing…I have never said he’s a true ace, which is what I think you think I think. He’s a high end major league pitching talent capable of pitching in the 2nd spot of a really high end rotation…a Matt Cain to some mystery man’s Tim Lincecum.