I like the kid. I just don't think he should be starting games in the middle of a pennant race. The kid has a lot of poise and excellent command considering his minimal experience. Here are my posts about him after seeing him during Spring Training for those who say that I never like the kids. I just don't like throwing them to the wolves. It's unfair to them and the team.
http://www.talksox.com/forum/386162-post225.html
http://www.talksox.com/forum/387375-post49.html
http://www.talksox.com/forum/388216-post6.html
http://www.talksox.com/forum/389355-post521.html
He used Youk's weight and momentum against him. If he hadn't, Youk would have buried him on his pitching shoulder. The catcher did a piss poor job of protecting his pitcher.
The kid has almost no experience, not here, not in Japan where he pitched in an industrial league. Not belonging has nothing to do with the defense tonight.
It's unfair to expect anything from the kid at this point in his development. If by "s*** happens" you are referring to the FO's failure to land a pitcher at trading deadline, I would agree.
Can you say AA? He doesn't belong at this level yet pitching for a team fighting for a playoff spot. Not the kid's fault. It's the FO's fault. We've got 3 first baseman, no SS, 2 Starting pitchers, and 3 OFers.
He's at 26 pitches alread. Even tthought there have been two botched DP's, he has given up 3 hits, a walk, and HBP. Not so good. Our only chance is the Reverse Lock. This kid doesn't belong at this level.