McCarthy Needs Role Defined With Sox

 

By Alex Bozich

abozich@futuresox.com

 

The last time Brandon McCarthy pitched regularly in a White Sox uniform was in September of 2005.

 

In the midst of what was being called one of the biggest collapses of all-time, there was McCarthy, compiling a 2.10 era with 24 strikeouts in 30 innings. Due to a lack of run support, he only picked up one win. What no one could argue was his ability to keep his team in the game and pitch in pressure situations, specifically a Labor Day masterpiece against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park.

 

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McCarthy grew up a Sox fan?

Its not like there has been great bullpen pitching in front of him-he should be 7th or 8th inning go to guy right now, but they refuse to commit to that

McCarthy grew up a Sox fan?

Liked the Sox growing up because of Frank Thomas. Yes, it's true.

Great article. You mirror my exact sentiments.

He should be used like Haren was used with St Louis when they were grooming him to be a SP. Use him in any instance which there is a tie and a reliever needs to be brought in. If you're ahead, bring him in anytime before the 8th. If you need a spot starter, throw him in there.

McCarthy grew up a Sox fan?

Frank Thomas was his favorite player growing up. He completely idolized him.

 

As far as Bmac goes, I really wish the team had another reliever or two (that was legit) so we could send Brandon to Charlotte and get him in a groove. Right now he's off just a bit and he has been really for the whole year (aside from his hot start, which really came out of nowhere judging by the way he pitched during spring).

 

Get him to Charlotte, let him start for a month to a month and a half there (build up his stamina) and than he should be able to get his kinks fixed and be effective for us for the latter half of the season out of the pen. RIght now I think he's totally lost and he's not able to get any consistent work to correct himself.

 

I really would have no problem with Mac and Anderson going back for 4-6 weeks. In Mac's case we would need to trade for 2 quality relievers.

Does being used on an inconsistent basis effect your mechanics? Maybe. Cause everytime you hear bmac talk about his pitching he points out his mechanics are flawed.

Does being used on an inconsistent basis effect your mechanics? Maybe. Cause everytime you hear bmac talk about his pitching he points out his mechanics are flawed.

 

I would say so, because you lose a rhythm. That's got to be extremely tough on a pitcher, such as BMac, who's started his baseball life.

BMac is so young he needs to be throwing more innings.

 

I favor him going to Charlotte for a month to get some work in and rebuild his confidence.

 

it's not like we couldn't make it without him in Chicago.

He should switch roles with Politte, end of story. But that won't happen IMO, and also props to somebody for calling out Ozzie for handeling this situation like s***. He is a very good manager, but when is is being an idiot like this he needs to be called out.

His role to this point has been "swingman", and it's a poor role for a guy who has never been in a bullpen before this year and needs to develop IMO. I agree with most here that McCarthy should be used in the setup role, as he was today. I just hope he can start stranding some inherited runners and lower his WHIP and ERA. Maybe that will come with more appearances.

I think BMac will be in the 7th, 8th like Sunday. Prior to Jose getting hurt, he was. Then Bmac gave up some runs and was taken out. Jose went down, and they needed him to be around for Haeger. Then he went to the rotation where he needed a lot of rest and days off.

 

He should settle down and be a reliable late inning guy. Or he'll at least be given the chance to, with Politte struggling.

Great write up Alex... I was just having the conversation last week with someone else...