After signing Hermanson yesterday I reviewed his stats and wasn't too impressed. So I bought the $3.95/month tv package on mlb.com and watched a couple of his outings from 2004 (I know I'm a winner!). Here is what I came up with:

 

Pitches (KW said he has four but I only saw 3)

2 Seem fastball (90-93, topped at 95, good movement) - Grade B+

Splitter (one of his two out pitches - Grade A

Slider (changes speed with it, his other out pitch) - Grade B+

 

 

Control - was pretty much around the plate but missed his spots sometimes. Did a decent job of getting ahead of the count, which we all know is huge. He has the pitches to succeed but must have control.

 

Aggressiveness - Pretty much attacks the hitter, which I like.

 

Pitch Selection - Moves the ball around, changes speeds, changes pitches and is aggressive. All good things.

 

 

The outings I watched were when he was closing and they were against the Padres, Braves and Houston. He struck out Nevin and Drew, which are both good hitters. He gave up 4 runs in .1 innings against Houston. He pitched good against Houston, he just missed a couple breaks then gave up a HR to Berkman.

 

One other key note. Here is a breakdown of ER for each of his 29 relief appearances since August:

0 ER: 24

1 ER: 1

2 ER: 2

3 ER: 0

4 ER: 2

5 ER or more: 0

 

So basically of his 29 relief appearances he only had 2 "Bad" outings. Which is good for a reliever. As far as the 1 ER and 2 ER outings, no one is perfect.

 

Overall I would say this is a good pickup. A bit pricey for someone that really hasn't proven much in his career. He definitely has the ability. Let's just hope he uses it.

excellent post.

 

Sounds as if he is just making the transition to the pen.

 

If he can tighten up his control -- not likely at his age -- he'll really help.

 

Problem we have is that Politte is another guy who struggles with command.

Thanks alot for that info...

 

I think Hermanson has always been one of those untapped potential type guys... lets hope he pans out.

Hermanson is a solid major league pitcher. Nothing more, nothing less. At 32 years old, his potential is tapped. But then again, I'm sure the same thing was said about Dennis Eckersley when he went to the bullpen. So who knows?

That's good info. Where do you get the time?

That's good info. Where do you get the time? 

I'll always make time for the fellow Sox fan.

 

It only took like 20 minutes.

Another thing to add is that he has a quick move to first which will be key when inheriting runners.

Excellent break down Striker... keep it up!

Good stuff, thoughtful analysis.

Great stuff...thanks a lot striker

thx for that striker

Thanks, but the one thing I think you missed was his atitude out there on the mound.. The Closers role in SF seemed to energize him. He challenged the hitters. He seemed so fired up every time he was out there in a pressure situation.

Great work, striker! Great analysis!