Holy Schlitt!

Dayum! Okay, seriously Cam Schlittler did his job in his first Yankees appearance. THAT was an impressive start of 5.1 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, 3 earned runs, 2 walks, SEVEN strikeouts and a 99 mph laser ball, err I mean fastball. I don’t think anyone could have predicted that. The Yankees needed a pick-me-up and good morale boost….and they got it. Now, can we get some more, please?

I have to admit I was pretty frustrated after hearing Clarke Schmidt was lost for the rest of this season and likely next year, too. It was like a punch to the gut. We already lost Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery and now a second Yankee starter is gone. Luis Gil is pitching again and working his way back, we won’t see him until next month. We’ve had enough bad news lately.

But then comes Schlittler, rated the Yankees Number 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline. In 76 2/3 innings with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Double-A Somerset this season, he posted a 2.82 ERA with 99 strikeouts and now he is on the big stage and he just made a strong case to stick around. Here’s a reminder – in case you want to watch it again.

Schlittler looked good, damn good. He had a live arm, and I liked how he changed speeds with a curveball, but it needs fine tuning. He will need to develop another secondary pitch to keep lefties off balance. A change up or splitter would be preferable, but a cutter would also do the trick. He just needs another plus pitch to get hitters out. He gave the Mariners a run for their money, but eventually the league will catch on to him or the Yankees will misuse him and those pitches won’t be as fast. This is the majors, you can’t just rely on the fastball.

Now the question becomes, can the Yankees help develop that secondary pitch this season? I honestly don’t know. This is the Yankees we are talking about. Analytically driven (too much) and Aaron Boone manages to screw up anything he touches….or even looks at. So hopefully Matt Blake can develop him instead of tear him down.

Speaking of that over analytically driven bullpen….What the hell was Boone thinking? He took him out with 1 away in the 6th after he blew away a guy with a 99mph fastball. Then he plugs in Jonathan Loaisiga of all people to throw a cookie on first pitch to give the Mariners two runs? Typical Baboonie move. It’s a good thing the lead wasn’t blown. What a doofus!

It’s a win. A well-deserved (and earned) win. Not for nothing…. how can you not LOVE the reaction of Schlittler’s family in the stands? That was a moment 15 years in the making, and it should be savored. 

Today was a GREAT day. We need more of these. Way to go, kid. I can’t wait to see more.