WasWatching.com has a pretty good post here about the lights-out season Edinson Volquez is having so far, and discusses some lessons that the Yankees can learn from Volquez’s career (to use with Phil Hughes).

All I have to say about Volquez is: wow. Just, WOW. A 5-1 record, 1.06 ERA after 7 starts. It’s almost unfathomable. Volquez hasn’t allowed more than one earned run in any of those starts. No Reds pitcher has EVER done that (since earned runs became an official statistic). WOW.

Volquez is going to have some ups and downs; he’s still a young pitcher, and young pitchers are inconsistent. But I don’t think I’ll ever forget this fantastic beginning he’s been able to put together. Simply outstanding.

Great start. Great season.

BUT why did Dusty let him throw 118 today when we were up 9?

Comment by Andrew — 5/7/2008 @ 10:59 pm

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My thoughts exactly. I may just be a pessimistic Reds (and Bengals) fan, or maybe I’m having flashbacks of Bronson’s post-135-pitch starts last year, but I’m scared to death that Voltron is going to pay the price for today’s silliness. (I know that’s irrational…but so was having him pitch that last inning).

Anyone seen a gamer where Dusty explains himself?

Comment by Chris — 5/7/2008 @ 11:08 pm

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Cueto was the one to watch when the season started. Young pitching has a way of turning.

Still, it’s a darn fun ride.

Comment by dfs — 5/8/2008 @ 7:57 am

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More importantly, can the Reds learn from Volquez’s career (to use with Homer Bailey)?

Comment by Andy — 5/8/2008 @ 9:13 am

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Next year, this article will be recycled - the author will “Ctrl F” to find all Edinson Volquez references, replace them with “Homer Bailey” and update the stats accordingly. Much the same way, we’re getting Bruce to K less in AAA. You should put the young guys in the minors to work on the flaws, then bring them up when they’re confident (after having had a taste and not doing well) and ready. To say nothing of what being sent down does to your work ethic. Good article, good point.

Comment by Dave — 5/9/2008 @ 12:06 am

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I think more than the Red’s learning from Volquez’s career in regards to Homer Bailey, hopefully Bailey will learn from it.

Volquez didn’t just keep trying the same things, he has worked hard on his weaknesses. Bailey (and Cueto) still fall into the habit of trying to rely on their fastball too much, they have to learn that what works in AAA, doesn’t work in the Majors.

Comment by Kilroy — 5/9/2008 @ 5:23 am

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