Ray's young gun showing promise

Learning to be a successful major league pitcher can be a painstaking experience for everyone involved. Having natural talent in throwing ability is only part of the formula for success.

For most young pitchers, learning when and how to use their pitching arsenal is usually the determining factor as to whether or not a good live arm turns into a decent major league pitcher.

Success starts with having command of pitches, varied with change of speed, along with good tempo.

Witness the recent pitching performance of Andy Sonnanstine against the Chicago White Sox.

Sonnanstine, in his second major league season, had struggled in his first 3 starts including a seven run shellacking in less than 4 innings of work last Sunday against the Yankees. Throwing the ball over the middle of the plate will generally end with bad results, and when Sonnanstine lacks command, that is what happens to him.

But Saturday night was different for Sonnanstine however, as he threw a complete game 3 hit shutout against the Sox, giving the Rays a 5-0 victory. The difference?

Command.

During the first few innings, Sonnanstine was able to throw early strikes to hitters with his fastball keeping hitters behind in the count, and getting the ball hit into play. Later, in the middle innings, he mixed in breaking balls along with his fastball keeping White Sox hitters off balance.

The last couple of innings saw Sonnanstine return primarily to his fastball and used the off speed pitches to finish off batters.

Sonnanstine had been relying too much on off speed pitches too early in games in his earlier outings. Last night was hopefully an indicator of a young pitcher maturing.

If so, Sonnanstine likely has a future at the major league level ahead. If not, then return trips to the minors lays in waiting.