Remember all those concerns when Jake Peavy was acquired?
"He won't be able to pitch in the American League."
"He won't be able to pitch at U.S. Cellular Field."
I called 'hogwash' on that at the time, and I feel even better about that after watching Peavy's first two outings. He's got a 2-0 record after his 2-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers Friday at the Cell.
Peavy looked like the ace Sox fans hoped he would be against a Detroit team that had plenty to play for. He struck out eight and walked just two in seven innings. In each of his first two starts with the Sox, he's had good life and movement on his fastball -- along with a slider that has been effective to left-handed hitters.
As I indicated when Peavy was acquired, the question mark is his health. It certainly took awhile for him to get back on the mound for the Sox, but now that he's there, we're seeing a glimpse of just how good he can be.
If healthy, Peavy WILL be the ace of the 2010 Sox. I realize that's a big 'if,' but the garbage about not being able to pitch effectively at the Cell is just utter nonsense. Look at this guy's stuff and look at his competitive makeup. If he's on top of his game, he's a top-of-the-rotation pitcher in any league, in any ballpark.
Just keep him healthy and everything will be fine.
I'll admnit I had doubt about him at USCF and in the AL when we acquired him. I'm glad I can say I was wrong.
I get a kick watching Steve Dahl (his son founded the Jay the Joke website) at games in home plate. It's clear he knows nothing about baseball just by watching him behind home plate. All he does is YAP! YAP! YAP! YAP! and wear that silly M&Ms jacket. I never knew how he was a legend in Chicago radio all these years. When I think of that old man, I think of Disco Demolition Night.