A's June 7-9

[saddles]

Some notes from Scott Lucas about Joe Palumbo.

Frisco lefty Joe Palumbo will make his Major League debut in the opener of Saturday's doubleheader against Oakland. About a week ago, I eyed the possible choices for a spot-starter from Nashville and didn't like what I saw. Palumbo isn't what I'd call fully ready, but he's probably the best choice. The concerns I mentioned with Taylor Hearn back in April apply similarly to Palumbo. He's a work in progress, incorporating a new changeup grip and occasionally struggling with his control. Still, he's had the best season of Texas''s top-four rotation prospects. At times, he's been dominant. If he can give four or five innings and keep the Rangers in the game, I'll be happy.

Irrespective of the immediate results, Palumbo represents a huge success for the scouting and development staff (and Joe himself, of course.) Palumbo was a 30th-round pick in 2013 and drew little notice until three years later, when his velocity spiked and he began fanning hitters in abundance in full-season ball. Then, he lost most of 2017 and 2018 to elbow surgery. He returned with arsenal intact last June. On Saturday, He'll be a Major Leaguer. Go get 'em, Joe.

 

[saddles]

DT was asking about Sam Huff on the last thread. He is playing for Down East. He started the year in Hickory.

 

[saddles]

The new catcher matched up with Palumbo. Choo is back in the lineup.

 

[jta4437]

The new catcher matched up with Palumbo. Choo is back in the lineup.

Choo being back is good news

Not sure if I'd have DDJ 2nd though

 

[Kelleyman]

My parents would stay there. He was stationed at Hickam from 1963-67 so they would go back from time to time. But the most awesome place was a room on the 2nd floor of the Castle Waikiki Shore that had a wrap around lanai and 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Just sit out on the lanai and people watch. And love body surfing at Bellows. Didn't want to talk about the game as you can tell.

Body surfing especially in Hawaii, a lost art. Got to do a little bit last week

 

[Kelleyman]

All things being equal would rather have Mathis catch Palumbo but guess this makes some sense

 

[Duane1952]

Nice start by Palumbo.

 

[jta4437]

Might be able to burn through their bullpen in this double header

 

[PhantomWarrior]

Like I said. Odor got his series hit last night.

You have to be patient and wait on that curve ball.

 

[jta4437]

40+ pitches for the A's starter in the 1st

 

[PhantomWarrior]

40+ pitches for the A's starter in the 1st

Could have been more.

 

[Duane1952]

41 pitch first inning by the A's pitcher. Maybe getting into their bullpen early.

 

[Duane1952]

DFA Smyly, keep Palumbo.

 

[Nightcrawler]

DFA Smyly, keep Palumbo.

That didn’t take long. Bahahaha

 

[jta4437]

DFA Smyly, keep Palumbo.

Palumbo with a Smyly-esque 4th inning

 

[Kelleyman]

Elvis swinging the bat well to all fields and new catcher goes yard...wonder how he plays out.

Nice to watch Palumbo working. Got swinging strikes on high FB. Did not look tentative. The double with a better play could have kept a run from scoring. Looks like they protected his pitch count coming off surgery. Probably will be optioned for that sake.

 

[jta4437]

Elvis swinging the bat well to all fields and new catcher goes yard...wonder how he plays out.

Nice to watch Palumbo working. Got swinging strikes on high FB. Did not look tentative. The double with a better play could have kept a run from scoring. Looks like they protected his pitch count coming off surgery. Probably will be optioned for that sake.

Rangers have 21 games in 20 days, there's a chance he gets another go at some point

 

[Duane1952]

Federowicz brought his hitting shoes with him.

 

[Nightcrawler]

Matt Bush is joining the frisco rough riders today.

Would be interesting if he could get back into what he was a few years ago. The bullpen has been a dumpster fire. It would be a shot in the arm.

 

[saddles]

DFA Smyly, keep Palumbo.

Hold that thought about 6 weeks or so.