Cubs Nation's Take on Shota Imanaga's Spring Struggles
In the world of baseball, every pitch tells a story, and today, we're delving into the narrative surrounding left-hander Shota Imanaga's recent performance. But here's where it gets intriguing: should we read too much into a single rough outing?
Cubs manager Craig Counsell, known for his level-headed approach, isn't jumping to conclusions. He acknowledges the three solo homers Imanaga surrendered to the White Sox, but he also highlights the encouraging velocity. "The velocity was good again," Counsell noted, "a step closer to where we want to be."
Imanaga himself, through interpreter Edwin Stanberry, focuses on the average velocity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining it deep into games. "It's about executing tough pitches when it matters most," he said.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the speed, but also the sequencing and the ability to recover between starts. Imanaga is working on honing his routine and making adjustments to limit those long balls.
But here's a twist: Imanaga has been experimenting with PitchCom, a device that facilitates two-way communication with the catcher. Counsell explains, "It's not about game planning; it's about giving Shota more time."
In a pitch clock era, those extra seconds could be crucial. It's an innovative approach, and it will be interesting to see how it impacts Imanaga's performance.
Additionally, we have Kevin Alcántara, who made his first outfield appearance this spring. Alcántara, recovering from offseason hernia surgery, is impressing with his powerful swings. "He's hitting the ball harder than anyone in batting practice," Counsell praised.
So, what's the takeaway? While Imanaga's last start was rough, there are encouraging signs. And with Alcántara's potential in the outfield, the Cubs have reasons to be optimistic. But what do you think? Should we be concerned about Imanaga's performance, or is this just a blip on the radar? Let's discuss in the comments!
