While two other pitchers worked in a “B” game on the backs, Randy Vásquez and Stephen Kolek, who are vying for the №5 position in the rotation, were piggybacking in Sunday’s spring training game.
During his press conference on Sunday morning, Padres manager Mike Shildt stated, “It’s a good opportunity for all of them.” The hitters tell us, and we get to assess it. We want consistency in everything, including the various intangibles that help us win games, including being able to field their position, manage the running game, prepare well, and know what to do when the competition starts.
“Spring training is a little different. Before a game, we don’t know as much about the opposing squad.
Regarding Vásquez and his ability to throw out of jams from the previous season:
“You never know if you’re going to get hurt when you put yourself in danger,” Shildt added. When things started to go sideways last year, he did a fantastic job of pitching out of traffic, which is a nice skill. He’s done a good job of putting an end to that. Regardless of the pitcher, we now want to be able to get the first hitter out. Have a short inning; finish it quickly so you can go on to the sixth and seventh innings.
Highlights of Stephen Kolek’s work on the sinker and slider: A picture of him pitching at the Peoria Sports Complex
“Kolek is developing as a starter,” Shildt stated. We appreciate that he can switch up the lineup. Because it offers him the chance to have an effective inning and advance in the game, the sinker lets that happen. He threw more of it away to righties last year, but now he’s running it in on them, making them uncomfortable while he sets up his other, excellent throws.
“He has many tools to be a really good pitcher, whether he’s starting or in the bullpen, if he can control the strike zone, throw the sinker inside to righties, and work off that.” At the conclusion of the year, we reviewed and assessed the slider to determine what worked and which of his pitches were the most successful.
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