I was looking at the "spin" for ESPN Insider today and it said that "Garland has become a pretty reliable fantasy option over the last couple of months. He's got a 3.42 ERA over his last 12 starts, with 24 walks and 49 strikeouts over 76.1 innings." I always expected him to get his ERA in the mid 3 range sometime soon. And he has a chance this season to do that. He seems to be a little more confident in going at hitters like he did last year when he dominated Boston. I feel comfortable with him on the mound now the way he's pitched.

Ive been a big basher of Jon. Ive admitted time and time again that hes had too many chances and we shouldnt continue to waste our time. I used to feel that when he pitched we were just screwed. Now I actually have a feeling of confidence when he pitches. Hes been doing very well lately...

I feel he is a long term starter for this team. He is learning to go after hitters rather than dance around the plate with them. He has the stuff to be great and he is finally realizing it and gaining more confidence in everystart. I am very confident in his ability and fell he could be a #1 in a couple of years.

Next year if Colon leaves we may have Buehrle Garland Loaiza Cotts and Diaz (If he doesn't go to Texas).

Hopefully hell be a number one for us...

They said last night that 9 of 12 of Garlands last starts have been quality starts, only Loaiza has been better on the Sox.

Let's remember he is still rather young and I feel he's turning the corner as we speak and will continue to get better...

They said last night that 9 of 12 of Garlands last starts have been quality starts, only Loaiza has been better on the Sox.

That would be the important stat to me. I've felt he's kept us in the game in almost all of his starts and what more can you ask from a 4th guy in the rotation? I think Big Jon will continue to improve while Dan Wright continues to go downhill. They should really begin to try Wright as a reliever.

That would be the important stat to me. I've felt he's kept us in the game in almost all of his starts and what more can you ask from a 4th guy in the rotation? I think Big Jon will continue to improve while Dan Wright continues to go downhill. They should really begin to try Wright as a reliever.

Or not try him at all. Cotts will be ready next year as is Harden for the A's this year.

Jon has the talent and I think Danny Wright does too. However, they always wanted to do it their way and not listen to the pitching coach. Maybe Jon started to listen? He has done a good job in the last 10 games and sending Wright down might have been a wake up call to the youngster?

Jon still frustrates me at times. But like the numbers say he's been pretty solid the last couple of months. He's startin to learn that most hitters aren't gonna let him off the hook. He's learning that in the big leagues u gotta go right after guys.. Don't get cute and all that s***. And he's keepin the ball down more. I remember last year he at times he was just darin guys to light him up. But somebody mentioned that he is still young. I think as a 4th starter Garland has been pretty solid. As far as a potential #1 he's still got a ways to go there...

Cotts will be ready next year

Not unless he adds at least 5 MPH on his fastball. 87 MPH ain't gonna cut it in the ML's.

Jon Garland career vs. Toronto: 4-1, 2.13 ERA. Wow

Not unless he adds at least 5 MPH on his fastball. 87 MPH ain't gonna cut it in the ML's.

And I doubt Cotts will go higher than 87. The reason being he changes speeds really well, and that is what got him this far.

Not unless he adds at least 5 MPH on his fastball. 87 MPH ain't gonna cut it in the ML's.

Mark Buehrle doesn't go much, if at all, above 87 mph...

Not unless he adds at least 5 MPH on his fastball. 87 MPH ain't gonna cut it in the ML's.

With his stuff, 87 would cut it. Barry Zito rarely touches 90, FWIW. But he won't be ready next year. He throws way too many pitches to be a major league pitcher.

 

A September call-up next year and coming up in 05 is the way I see it.

Glad we're all giving Garland his props.

He's been great of late as have been most of our pitchers.

I've said alll along that Garland will be a good pitcher. He's very young and it just takes time to learn how to pitch in the big leagues. Mark Buehrle was the exception rather than the rule. A Buehrle-Garland tandem should be the heart of our rotation for years to come.