Mound Talk

Towards the end of last season I wrote a full scouting report on Johnny Cueto. Last night I saw his second Major League start at Miller Park and have a few more comments to make from that initial Scouting Report.

Cueto’s fastball sat 93-96 mph but it dropped to 90-92 in the last two innings he worked. He showed good movement and good command. He mixed his fastball and change up real well last night. He used the change more than I expected him to in difficult situations. He often challenged the Brewers patience and made many (including Corey Hart several times) look silly. His change was wicked last night. I previously graded his change as a 50 on the 20-80 scale but would now grade it as a 60. The main difference I saw last night was there was much more pronounced sink and fade than I had earlier witnessed. While we’re on the subject of grading his pitches, his fastball is a 65. He’s got more velocity, sharper sink and even better command.

He used his slider less than I expected and when he did, it was a bit inconsistent. He did a good job of getting his sliders down and throwing them harder than he has in the past, working right around 89 mph. The movement is sharp, he just wasn’t dead on with it. Nonetheless, it’s a pitch that will develop for him. It’s a 50 now, but should be a 55 or 60. He didn’t throw too many though so it’s a little difficult to judge accurately.

One thing I noticed was that Cueto was visibly agitated with runners on base. He became more figity and lost a bit of his command. It’s not something I’d worry about given that it’s his second Major League start and something I didn’t notice in the minor leagues, but something worth noting at any rate.

Last year I noted Cueto was a #2/#3 pitcher and I brought up concerns about durability. I am still of the same opinion now.

Koby Schellenger can be reached via email at koby.schellenger@moundtalk.com.