Prior to the MLB trade deadline earlier this season, I was shocked when I saw Drew Storen's name involved in rumors. Some reports even said a deal to the Indians was "almost complete."
Why was I shocked?
Because Storen was one of the Nationals' first-round draft picks two years ago (the other was some soft-tosser named Stephen Strasburg), and at just 24 years of age, he's already a highly-effective Big League closer. Naturally I wondered, "Why would a rebuilding franchise looking to 'go young' want to trade a 24-year old with great stuff and already impressive numbers?"
Lo and behold, GM Mike Rizzo ultimately decided against pulling the trigger on a deal that would have shipped Storen to the American League. It was certainly a wise decision.
However, during tonight's ballgame against the Mets, I think I figured out why the Nationals' brass has concerns about Storen...
It's not his stuff or his stats; it's his attitude.
In the 9th inning, in the span of about three minutes, Storen showed himself three times:
1. He stared in at the home plate umpire, protesting a ball that was clearly outside and high. Color commentator said, "What is he arguing about? That pitch wasn't even close."
2. After getting off to a slow start, walking a batter and falling behind 3-1 on the next man, catcher Jesus Flores decided it was time to chat with his fiery closer. When he took a step out from behind home plate, the camera zoomed on Storen. He said something along the lines of, "I got it. I got it! Stay back there."
Flores makes the right decision and his closer rewards him with a childish response.
3. After walking the second man (Flores' instincts vindicated), the Nationals' pitching coach stepped out of the dugout and strolled towards the mound.
What does Storen do? Shake his head in disgust, and turn his back momentarily. A real class act.
And yet, in the end, all that matters is that the kid can pitch. As long as he doesn't alienate teammates and management to the point where they can't stand his presence on the roster, the best move is to hang on to him and let him do his thing.
If he improves his poise and command, Storen could be an All-Star closer for quite some time.
No comments:
Post a Comment