I do not buy that.
I do not think that Farrell and his coaching staff are that stupid in this regard. They gave Porcello 80 M because they liked his approach/profile, right?
Listen, PROBABLY (still speculation to me) they tried to make some adjustments to his approach because THAT approach was not working. In fact, after his first 4 starts he allowed 18 runs in 25 IP. Discouraging, if you ask me. Then, in his next 4 starts he earned only 6 Rs in 25.2 IP. Encouraging; seems to me like he made some adjustment and worked out, thus far. Then.. once again, he shitted the bed and he allowed 22 f***ing runs in 4 games. No one can help him.
Let's face it, He is a mediocre pitcher. He simply does't have good stuff. The BABIP death is going to tax him time to time making him always inconsistent as always he's been, unless he increases his K/9 or induce weaker contact, but once again, you already paid him... for what they already saw in him (whatever that means) and it is not working. As I said since day 1, He is a No 4, at best No. 3, and these days a No 5-6 and you just gave him 80 M.
Whatever the case (changing his approach or not), they SHOULD HAVE WAITED before giving him that extension and see his permanence after a dozen starts or so. Again, this is on Ben, another horrible contract that we have to deal with.
Also, I have not read or heard that they changed his approach, it's pure speculation, I think. If there is a link, please share it.