Jeremy Guthrie and Finding Satisfaction

Aug 10, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie (11) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The definition of the word ‘satisfied’ is either contented or pleased. Usually, this word is used when something positive occurred, as in a satisfied customer or to be satisfied with a performance. When Jeremy Guthrie says that he is satisfied with his performance, when one looks at the statistics, then the word seemingly does not mean what he thinks it means.

Yes, it is Spring Training, and pitchers are working on different things. Statistics can only tell a part of the story. If a pitcher is working on keeping the ball down in the zone and manages to accomplish that more often than not, they would be satisfied. As Guthrie stated that he felt he got his arm strength to where he wanted it to be and was able to make a few pitches, he feels that he has done what he set out to accomplish.

"“I feel like I’ve gotten the arm strength up and that I’ve been able to execute some pitches, so hopefully I’ll be able to do more of those consistently and start off the season well,” Guthrie said."

Jeremy Guthrie is certainly going to need to execute more consistently in the regular season. During Spring Training, he has put together a 7.04 ERA and a 1.696 WHiP, hardly numbers that inspire any confidence. As Guthrie is not the type of pitcher that will miss many bats, and is going to need to rely upon keeping the ball in the yard to perform well. Even though there is a big difference between Arizona, where the ball tends to travel, and Kauffman Stadium, the three home runs that Guthrie has given up in his 15.1 innings are not a good sign.

Perhaps Guthrie is just working through the rust and will be fine once the regular season rolls around. After all, as an extreme fly ball pitcher, his numbers are likely to be skewed pitching in the launching pads of the Cactus League. Yet, these outings may not matter, at least as long as Guthrie has his arm where he wants it to be. Since his velocity is up from this point last year, that could actually be the case.

Even though it may not appear to be the case looking at the statistics, Jeremy Guthrie may be right when he says that he is satisfied with his spring. We will certainly find out shortly.