Stephens has pitched worse each of the last two years than the year before. What's the story here?

Damn it. I thought they'd finally gotten Vern Stephens back.

He's the Jack Cust of pitchers.

Incredible minor league numbers, but the scouts said he didn't have the stuff to succeed in the majors.

So far, it looks like the scouts were right.

I think there's something more here ... I just can't remember what it is.

BTW, if you're not familiar with this guy, go and watch him (if you can). NO velocity, he topped out at 82 last I saw him, but a nice curve and change. Tremendous fun when he's on.

Speaking of which, I watched Blake McGinley tonight - first time I've ever seen him in person. He gave up a homer down the RF line to Eric Munson (first pitch, I think) - then dominated the next five or so guys, then struggled some. I'm not sure how he gets outs. He topped out at 85 (one pitch at 86), none of his breaking stuff moved that much, and his motion wasn't that weird. He changed speeds nicely, but that only gets you so far.

Incredible minor league numbers, but the scouts said he didn't have the stuff to succeed in the majors.

So far, it looks like the scouts were right.

How do we know they were right from the limited chance each of those guys got in the majors?

How do we know they were right from the limited chance each of those guys got in the majors?

Both of these guys have spent the last 3 years at AAA and regressed in two consecutive seasons.

Cust is 26, and had a sub-800 OPS at AAA last year. He struck out twice as often as he walked.

Stephens is 25 and had a mid-4's ERA at AAA last year. He averaged a HR alowed per start.

One or both could have a useful major league career, but I think it's safe to say that neither of these guys will be the stars that their 1999-2002 stats suggested they would be.

IIRC Stephens has had on-and-off shoulder issues in his Orioles year. At least at Pawtucket last year he's lost some velocity from the mid/low-80s, um, heat he threw in Baltimore.

Did anyone ever think Stephens would actually be a star? I thought the argument was over whether or not he contribute in the bigs. I can't check now, but I think he's had slow starts each of the last two years and that minor injuries were attributed. (Note: may be making this up.)

Stephens broke his wrist a couple of years ago and pitched through it with iffy results.

I'm been a fan on John Stephens since the time I saw him strike out 18 or so in Frederick.

Fun player to watch, but lack of velocity probably does matter at the major league level. I also get the impression that he pitches much less effectively with men on base than with the bases empty.