Royals Report: 5 Things About Choke Job In NYC

May 10, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) hits a three run home run against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) hits a three run home run against the New York Yankees during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 9, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (41) throws the ball in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (41) throws the ball in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

3.) Danny Duffy Should Replace Medlen In The Rotation

Danny Duffy’s problem has always been iffy control that forces him into high pitch counts as a starter.

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So far as a reliever in 2016, Duffy’s BB/9 is down to a career-low 2.8, compared to 3.8 over his career. Of course, Duffy is also throwing 97 mph gas which has inflated his K/9 to 10.7 up from his 7.3 career rate.

The problem is, Duffy has been so effective as a lefty reliever that Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost might be reluctant to disturb his success. Yet, Duffy has always had the stuff of a starter. Here’s to hoping that Danny Duffy is more Zack Greinke (whose time in the bullpen helped him gain confidence in his stuff) than Luke Hochevar, who simply wasn’t effective as a starter.

The big difference is Duffy has been attacking hitters as a reliever instead nibbling like he did as a starter. If he can bring a similar approach to starting, he could be just what the Kansas City Royals rotation needs to find their footing in 2016.

Next: Cheslor Cuthbert

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