The Rise of Roki Sasaki: Unlocking the Potential
In a bold move, Roki Sasaki, now a World Series champion, embarked on an unfamiliar journey as a reliever, but this experience has paved the way for an exciting return to his true calling - starting pitching. Let's delve into the intriguing story of Sasaki's journey and the lessons learned along the way.
But here's where it gets controversial... Sasaki's success as a closer during the postseason, with an impressive three saves and minimal earned runs, didn't deter the team from their initial plan. The Dodgers had a vision for Sasaki as a starter, and his relief role was merely a stepping stone.
"It was all about getting his delivery back on track," Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations, explained. "We made significant progress, and we view him as a starter, a really good one."
So, what does this mean for Sasaki's future? Let's explore the highlights, the concerns, and the unknowns.
The Good: Velocity and Control
One of the most promising aspects of Sasaki's relief stint was the resurgence of his velocity. He threw an impressive 46 pitches at 99 mph or faster, a significant increase from his time in the rotation. This increase in speed, coupled with improved location, made his four-seamer and splitter even more deadly.
Sasaki's strikeout rate soared to 20% in relief, a notable improvement from his starter days. Opposing batters couldn't afford to sit back and wait for the splitter, as Sasaki's pitches were consistently finding the zone.
The Bad: Fastball Dropoff
Despite the overall success, there was a slight concern with Sasaki's fastball. After averaging an impressive 99-100 mph during the NLDS, his speed dipped to just over 98 mph in the later stages of the postseason. This drop in velocity could be attributed to the heavy workload he endured during the NLDS Game 4, where he threw a perfect three innings on 36 pitches.
The Unknown: Expanded Arsenal and Offseason Prep
The biggest question mark surrounds Sasaki's potential expanded arsenal. During his shoulder rehab, he worked on a cutter, which he utilized in the minors but not in the majors. Additionally, he bid farewell to his slider after recovering from injury.
Having a full offseason with the Dodgers could also be a game-changer for Sasaki. Unlike last year, where he joined the team just weeks before Spring Training, he now has months to prepare and integrate fully into the team's culture and strategies.
The Takeaway: Unlocking the Electric Stuff
The most crucial lesson from Sasaki's relief role is that his electric stuff is still very much alive. It's now a matter of fine-tuning and unlocking that potential.
And this is the part most people miss... Sasaki's journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and the potential for growth. His ability to thrive in an unfamiliar role sets a precedent for other players facing similar challenges.
So, what do you think? Is Sasaki's return to the rotation a sure bet? Or are there still concerns that could impact his performance? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
