And presumably in pitching shape.
With Song, we’ve made a lot of the fact that he’s only thrown 17 IP in Rookie Ball. And that his entire career consists of facing only 65 hitters, of whom I’m willing to bet none of are currently in MLB and no more than 2 ever will be.
What hasn’t been mentioned is this also took place across SEVEN STARTS.
Now granted, Rookie Ball starting pitchers rarely go five innings. And while Song was averaging just over two, it certainly wasn’t for ineffectiveness.
But it does point he didn’t have the arm strength to pitch multiple innings 3 years ago, when he was fresh out of college after his stellar Navy career. Three years of not pitching later, it probably didn’t improve. And the task won’t be easier, as MLB hitters on average have better plate discipline than Rookie Ball teenagers, have the ability to foul off more pitches to stay alive, and, well, get more hits.
A deal or Song returns. No other option…