re: Anthony Ranaudo making his MLB debut

I disagree with your analysis of Nola's performances. You should know how little stats matter in MiLB, especially with pitchers. Of course he doesn't look like he's ready for MLB. But his progression and ability to adjust only means that he'll get there sooner rather than later, not vice versa. Midget.

Some stats do matter. Wins and losses, not so much. But how many hits and walks will surely be looked at. If you are giving up a lot of hits to A ball hitters, you can assume that MLB hitters will light you up. MLB execs understand that pitching to a 21 year old with runners on second and third is a tad more easy than facing that same situation against a 8 year MLB veteran.

I'm not saying that this issue applies to Nola, but Ryan Eades would be a good example of this. At LSU, he gave up a lot of base runners but pitched out of trouble. In pro ball, he's giving up a ton of runs.

I didn't say they don't matter just that they matter very little compared to what we're used to in college or MLB. My point is that, when looking at his performance, they're not really looking at numbers as much as they are looking at him understanding how to pitch on his own and progressing. That's one of the biggest adjustments for pitchers going into the minor leagues. They have to call their own stuff or at least learn to rely/trust in catchers who are having to learn the same thing.

#melt

Just now tuning in. Seems to be off to a decent start

Drew tattooed that CB.

Same as the first. Walk lead off. Then 3

Ellsbury beat that single out. My b