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06-07-2006, 08:10 AM
{Blacksnakes are the new AA team in St. Joseph}
6/7/2006 Email this article • Print this article
Blacksnakes don’t believe Hochevar is dominant No. 1 pick
Jeff Bartl
Asst. Sports Editor
If the Blacksnakes’ evaluations of No. 1 overall pick Luke Hochevar are correct, the Kansas City Royals will feel more heat than his 97 mile-an-hour fastball could ever bring.
Hochevar, 23, pitched for the Fort Worth Cats against St. Joe at Phil Welch Stadium on May 25, striking out nine batters in 5 2/3 innings. But the Blacksnakes touched up Hochevar for seven hits and three runs after the Cats spotted him a 5-0, second-inning lead.
“I feel like he’s got a lot to learn,” said Jake Whitesides, who singled and drove in a run off Hochevar. “If he gets his breaking ball working a bit better, he can use it more effectively. And his fastball *— right there that’s already a major-league pitch. Right now he’s kind of raw.”
Jimmy Mojica, who had three of the seven hits off Hochevar, questioned the Royals’ decision.
“He was pretty decent,” Mojica said, “but I was surprised when he was drafted first. I don’t think he’s the No. 1 pick overall.”
Mojica wasn’t the only one in a Blacksnakes uniform Tuesday night surprised by the move.
“The guy’s got great stuff, and I hope he’s a major leaguer for the rest of his life,” manager Chris Carminucci said. “But I was surprised they picked him No. 1. He’s got great stuff, but at the same time he’s got a lot to learn.”
Apparently, the Royals’ selection of Hochevar wasn’t a last-second decision. Carminucci said he received a call “a couple days ago” informing him the Royals were set on Hochevar. While Hochevar’s potential is an obvious draw, Carminucci said he might not be a major-league starter for years to come.
“If he’s going to be a starter, he’s probably a couple years away,” Carminucci said. “He can be a closer late this year or early next year. The kid can bring it.”
http://www.stjoenews-press.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=80331&SectionID=143&SubSectionID=274
6/7/2006 Email this article • Print this article
Blacksnakes don’t believe Hochevar is dominant No. 1 pick
Jeff Bartl
Asst. Sports Editor
If the Blacksnakes’ evaluations of No. 1 overall pick Luke Hochevar are correct, the Kansas City Royals will feel more heat than his 97 mile-an-hour fastball could ever bring.
Hochevar, 23, pitched for the Fort Worth Cats against St. Joe at Phil Welch Stadium on May 25, striking out nine batters in 5 2/3 innings. But the Blacksnakes touched up Hochevar for seven hits and three runs after the Cats spotted him a 5-0, second-inning lead.
“I feel like he’s got a lot to learn,” said Jake Whitesides, who singled and drove in a run off Hochevar. “If he gets his breaking ball working a bit better, he can use it more effectively. And his fastball *— right there that’s already a major-league pitch. Right now he’s kind of raw.”
Jimmy Mojica, who had three of the seven hits off Hochevar, questioned the Royals’ decision.
“He was pretty decent,” Mojica said, “but I was surprised when he was drafted first. I don’t think he’s the No. 1 pick overall.”
Mojica wasn’t the only one in a Blacksnakes uniform Tuesday night surprised by the move.
“The guy’s got great stuff, and I hope he’s a major leaguer for the rest of his life,” manager Chris Carminucci said. “But I was surprised they picked him No. 1. He’s got great stuff, but at the same time he’s got a lot to learn.”
Apparently, the Royals’ selection of Hochevar wasn’t a last-second decision. Carminucci said he received a call “a couple days ago” informing him the Royals were set on Hochevar. While Hochevar’s potential is an obvious draw, Carminucci said he might not be a major-league starter for years to come.
“If he’s going to be a starter, he’s probably a couple years away,” Carminucci said. “He can be a closer late this year or early next year. The kid can bring it.”
http://www.stjoenews-press.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=80331&SectionID=143&SubSectionID=274