Mariners Analysis: Prospects Play Part in M’s Success

Tony Zych’s first month and change may have scared a few people. His control and BB/9 were at times worse than it was in his final 9 appearances to end 2015, but there was more to the 25-year old’s performances so far that made him a standout reliever through the Mariners great April.

There are certain things that can be measured by numbers alone to determine how a player performs, and then there are the intangibles. Ways in which a ballplayer influences the game with his energy, effort or in this case, his resilience.

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Three times this season Zych has come out of the bullpen and given up hits and/or walks, including one time against the Houston Astros where after allowing consecutive walks he gave up a single that brought in a run, but what he was able to do (that many young pitchers have trouble with) was to compose himself and retire the side before the inning got away from him.

Zych is able to do this in large part by striking out batters at a high rate, 1.5 per inning to be exact. Using an impressive fastball then switching gears with a slider that he has put more movement on since last season.

Continuing on his strikeout prowess, Zych has managed to strike out 2 or more batters in an inning in half of his appearances this year, twice striking out the side. He has been able to do all of this while struggling though rotator cuff tendinitis in his right shoulder. Once Zych returns from the 15-day disabled list, healthy and energized, he will be on track to have a most impressive first full season in majors.