Follow the Prospects: Lucas Giolito, RHP

[Natsinpwc]

I hope they didn't screw him up by changing his delivery. I would like to think that the minor league pitching coach was working on the advice of Maddux.

[Mr Clean]

Mystery solved. Looking for good things from here on.

[Smithian]

1. Lucas Giolito, RHP
Washington Nationals
Previous rank: 3
Current level: Double-A

The Nats' pitching coach at Harrisburg, Chris Michalak, decided to change Giolito's delivery this spring, which produced the subpar results Giolito had in April and early May. Fortunately, there doesn't appear to be any lasting damage to Giolito's stuff or arm -- just a delay in his arrival in the big leagues. He's still throwing hard with the plus curveball he has long had, but it might take a few more turns to get him back to where he should be at this time of the year.

http://espn.go.com/blog/keith-law/insider/post?id=5202

Why is our AA pitching coach changing a top prospect's delivery?

I'm assuming this is cutting out some background on input from the top.

[BrandonK]

Why is our AA pitching coach changing a top prospect's delivery?

I'm assuming this is cutting out some background on input from the top.

No doubt.

[mimontero88]

Why is our AA pitching coach changing a top prospect's delivery?

I'm assuming this is cutting out some background on input from the top.

The Nats have probably correctly determined that Giolito isn't likely to be needed this year for an extended period of time so any changes they want to make to his delivery would have to be done now.  Given that Roark and Ross continue pitching well, Giolito really isn't needed until next season and even then, only if the Nats don't pick up Gio's 2017 option, which seems absurd given how good he has been thus far (the last start notwithstanding).  Why not take the time to perfect the prospect the major league team doesn't need yet?  Makes sense to me.  And if he seems to get it together this year he can slot into Gio's spot in the rotation and the team can save $24 million over the next two seasons in preparation for Harper's megadeal.

[Natsinpwc]

The Nats have probably correctly determined that Giolito isn't likely to be needed this year for an extended period of time so any changes they want to make to his delivery would have to be done now.  Given that Roark and Ross continue pitching well, Giolito really isn't needed until next season and even then, only if the Nats don't pick up Gio's 2017 option, which seems absurd given how good he has been thus far (the last start notwithstanding).  Why not take the time to perfect the prospect the major league team doesn't need yet?  Makes sense to me.  And if he seems to get it together this year he can slot into Gio's spot in the rotation and the team can save $24 million over the next two seasons in preparation for Harper's megadeal.

That's fine. Just curious as to what they are perfecting. And why.

[BrandonK]

That's fine. Just curious as to what they are perfecting. And why.

I can't find many good videos, but from this ST video, he's pitching a little more overhanded, rather than rearing back.

[BrandonK]

Elvir Ovcina may be able to chime in more (sounds like he was/is a pitcher).  What I'm seeing is a more repeatable delivery, with a bit more downward angle (not much) on his pitches. He's such a big dude, they probably want him to use more of his natural advantage to save some bullets (not that matters with curves).

[Mr Clean]

Dealt tonight: 7 IP 4 hits 1 run 1 bb 6 K   Back on track for a visit to DC.

No more 'Taylor' Giolito.

[BrandonK]

And most importantly, he got the W

[Mr Clean]

And most importantly, he got the W

Actually I think Harper got the W.

[BrandonK]

Actually I think Harper got the W.

You're right -- walk-off win tonight for HAR

[Monarch]

The Nats have probably correctly determined that Giolito isn't likely to be needed this year for an extended period of time so any changes they want to make to his delivery would have to be done now.  Given that Roark and Ross continue pitching well, Giolito really isn't needed until next season and even then, only if the Nats don't pick up Gio's 2017 option, which seems absurd given how good he has been thus far (the last start notwithstanding).  Why not take the time to perfect the prospect the major league team doesn't need yet?  Makes sense to me.  And if he seems to get it together this year he can slot into Gio's spot in the rotation and the team can save $24 million over the next two seasons in preparation for Harper's megadeal.

he's the #1 prospect in baseball. he needs to be in the majors starting next season if not called up this season.

[BrandonK]

he's the #1 prospect in baseball. he needs to be in the majors starting next season if not called up this season.

19 year old Julio Urias just got called up by LAD

[Natsinpwc]

19 year old Julio Urias just got called up by LAD

That move smacks of desperation by an underachieving overpaid team.

[Smithian]

Nats pitching staff is much better than the Dodgers. Much, much better.

[BrandonK]

That move smacks of desperation by an underachieving overpaid team.

100% agree. I'd imagine it's only for a spot start. No way Boras lets him pitch more than 120 innings or so this season

[Natsinpwc]

100% agree. I'd imagine it's only for a spot start. No way Boras lets him pitch more than 120 innings or so this season

He's listed as starting Friday night versus the Mets.

[Lintyfresh85]

That move smacks of desperation by an underachieving overpaid team.

Well what more does he have to prove in the minors? I don't care if he's only 19. A 1 ERA and a K/9 over 9 in the Pacific League is amazing. He's ready.

Plus, the Dodgers don't care about money, so they can afford any money this may cost them on the back end if he pans out.

[DPMOmaha]

he's the #1 prospect in baseball. he needs to be in the majors starting next season if not called up this season.

Needs? Why? His performance will determine when he's ready. But with the way the rotation has performed, the need isn't there yet. His time will come. Patience, young padawan.

[Lintyfresh85]

Needs? Why? His performance will determine when he's ready. But with the way the rotation has performed, the need isn't there yet. His time will come. Patience, young padawan.

Montero suggested a possible 2018 debut if Gio gets a new deal. There's patience, and then there's overkill.

[Smithian]

I'd be happy if they could somehow give Giolito a cup of coffee this season without needing him for a long stretch. However, like Linty said, if he starts next season in the minors for more than a couple turns of the rotation then we've reached overkill.

[DPMOmaha]

Montero suggested a possible 2018 debut if Gio gets a new deal. There's patience, and then there's overkill.

Yeah, two more years is probably a little much.

[BrandonK]

Here's a full pitch sequence: http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=738976883&sid=t547

[DPMOmaha]

Here's a full pitch sequence: http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=738976883&sid=t547

After the 1-1 pitch, did the batter take a practice swing right handed then step back in and hit left handed? That was weird.