Str8up Spotlight: Yoslan Herrera
Yoslan Herrera is my man! Aside from the fact that Shawn Chacon helped build my love for the 'Burgh, I really did evolve with the Pittsburgh Pirate thanks to this right-hander. Herrera defected from Cuba just like pitchers Orlando Hernandez and Jose Contreras. In 2006, a year following his departure from Castro-county, Herrera was signed by former GM Dave Littlefield to a deal ensuring his place on the Major League 40-man roster.
Herrera, 27 (supposedly), has never seen the light of day outside of the minor leagues. With the Curve in 2007, Yoslan was 6-9 with an ERA of 4.69. He was god awful to begin the season at Altoona, but posted solid numbers in the second half of the year. Herrera pitched in 128 2/3 innings while having a K/BB ratio of 70/38.
Thankfully, Herrera pulled back the trigger this season, and is on his way now to Pittsburgh to face the St. Louis Cardinals. At Altoona this year, he's 5-8 with a 3.11 ERA. He struck out 53 in 92 2/3 innings before making a single start in Indianapolis. Yoslan won that game in a seven-frame performance, striking out six.
Yoslan, the 6'2", 200 pound, all pride and power righty looks to give it his best as current GM Neal Huntington continues to tape together a "Major League" pitching rotation. Phil Dumatrait has been placed back on the DL, and Tom Gorzelanny will make his first start for Triple-A tonight. Time will tell whether Gorzy makes a quick return - but for now - all eyes are on Herrera.
Next on TBB: Though I was no true to my word in my last write-up, I guarantee I will do a post-game spot on Yoslan's first career start. The Cards are not a team he's going to be able to push around, but with the ability he has in that arm, I am excited to see this Cuban-born fire-baller pitch. He matches up against Todd Wellemeyer at 7:05 ET.
Shout out to my friend Elliot, as he endured an 0-for-4 performance from his main man Gary Sheffmaster Sheffield in Detroit last night. Sheff is 6 for his last 30, hitting an abysmal .200 in the month of July. Not only do I bring this up to rub in Elliot's face, but when the All-Star game hits this time of year, we all wonder where has that Chef disappeared to? The one that used to have 20-25 homers by the break? Yeah, it's rough when your old.
Leave a comment