Magneto2.0 wrote: Unspectacular K% mixed with a high walk rate. Really hasn't changed in the majors either. Results have been great so far but he has 8 walks and 6 Ks in 11 innings, a 4.69 FIP. This isn't sustainable.
Age though is such a huge part of the evaluation process. I am not suggesting he should have been viewed like Reyes, but a 19-20 year old throwing in the high 90s as a starter with a projectable frame and improving secondary pitches is something to take note of.
Maybe this write up explains it -
https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/top-23- ... cardinals/
If he was sitting around 94 in his first full season, that’s what most projections are measuring him for. Velocity increased in th AFL or perhaps he pitched down to maintain control as a starter in full season A ball.
Anyway, KATOAH - a prospect projection system - said that Hicks had a 90%+ chance of either not making it to the majors or being replacement level there. That seems pretty silly to me from an eyes perspective. He is here to stay. Even if his results are mixed over a handful of innings so far.