9-News: 38.011 – Chavez Shaky in First Action

[RonCo]

It’s usual for Nine veterans to see more pine than action in the early part of spring camp, but fans are admittedly casting wary eyes toward 36-year-old Jose Chavez as he recovers from late season surgery required to repair the tending in a finger on his pitching hand.

Early results weren’t encouraging, as Chavez has faced five batters, walking two and hitting a third. He did record a strikeout, though. And he induced a ground out. “Let’s just say I missed a lot of bats, and be done with it,” Chavez joked after the work. “Seriously, it was just good to get out there again and get the arm working against real hitters. It was fun. I’m looking forward to the challenge of pitching.”

The team seems to want to use Chavez as a middle-rotation starter, but it’s also clear that the decision isn’t made. “We’ll play it as it lies,” said new manager Bill Inkster. “Jose has been throwing a lot on the side, and Dr. Carmona is looking over him every day, too. We’ll get him some starts not what we’re getting down to the brass tacks, and see what happens.” Some are saying that what is going to “happen” is Chavez will move into the inning eater role out of the bullpen, which is where his 2037 performance was pushing him until the injury.

“I’m not commenting on that,” Chavez said when asked about his role. “I’m just here to pitch.”

KIM IMPROVED?

One note of positive flavor regarding the rotation is that reporters are noting extra bite to 24-year-old Han-lee Kim’s overall repertoire. Both the slider and change are moving more, and he seems to have added a touch to his two-seamer. No word if his ability to actually get them over the plate has edged toward something semi-respectable, but it sounds like the South Korean will be … um … entertaining … to watch again this year.