2012 Hiroki Kuroda performance thread

[JL25and3]

Marc Carig ‏ @MarcCarig Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
"This is not a one-on-one game." - Hiroki Kuroda on his matchup with Yu Darvish.

He's right. Probably more like an 8-1 game.

[Art Vanderlay]

Altough its only his 4th start, its a big one for Kuroda. I'm not saying he needs to pitch a shutout, but it will be a very bad sign for him and the team if he gets knocked around.

[Jace]

Altough its only his 4th start, its a big one for Kuroda. I'm not saying he needs to pitch a shutout, but it will be a very bad sign for him and the team if he gets knocked around.

The best offense in the majors, at their place? if he pitches a mediocre game that would probably be great

[just-blaze]

The best offense in the majors, at their place? if he pitches a mediocre game that would probably be great

^this.

Quite frankly, I think he's going to be battered. Then again I thought he would do good against the Rays and Twins, but struggle against the Angels, so........

I will be cringing every pitch he throws to Hamilton.

[Eldee5]

I think it's going to be a high offense game on both sides. While I do think that Kuroda's going to give up quite a few runs, I believe that the Yankees are going to get to Darvish too. Despite what millions of Japanese TV viewers are anticipating, I don't think we'll be looking at a pitcher's duel.

[sweet_lou_14]

If Kuroda can put up an Andy Pettitte type, "bend but don't break performance" where he keeps the ball in the park and gets the big out when he needs it, I'll be more than satisfied. 6+ IP, 3-4 R.

Meanwhile, I expect the Yankees to take a lot of pitches and wear Darvish out. Both teams will go to their bullpens by the 7th if not sooner.

[grizy]

Both pitchers are learning to pitch in teh AL. Darvish has better stuff but Kuroda has more experience in NL.

Flip a coin!

[BRNXBMRS]

Which Hiroki will show up tonight? It could get very ugly.

[Mr.Muhozi]

Which Hiroki will show up tonight? It could get very ugly.

I hope it's the one that appears when sh*t gets real

[ieddyi]

His bad starts came in colder weather

Fingers crossed that warmer temps in Tx bring out the best in him

The contrast between his good and bad starts is scary- seems to be all or nothing. The big selling point on him was his consistency- proven veteran and all....

[MoVaughnEatsAlot]

His bad starts came in colder weather

Fingers crossed that warmer temps in Tx bring out the best in him

The contrast between his good and bad starts is scary- seems to be all or nothing. The big selling point on him was his consistency- proven veteran and all....

I was coming here to post almost exactly this. With warm/dry weather hopefully we'll see what we seen against the Angels.

[effdamets]

I hate bringing this up, but... let us not forget that it's cold in October too.
If he only performs in warm weather, there's going to be...... trouble.

[snapple]

He'll probably adjust. Some of it was nerves, some was the weather. His start against the Twins (or whatever start what was) it was raining. When you're a feel pitcher, I can't imagine that helps your grip.

[sweet_lou_14]

I hope it's the one that appears when sh*t gets real

This made me LOL.

[awy]

kuroda seems to do well against free swinging teams that chase a bit aggressively. angels is among the most aggressive teams in the AL, even NL like in their approach.

rangers though are not like that, even though they had low obp high slg guys in the past, the present version is more balanced.

[grizy]

He'll probably adjust. Some of it was nerves, some was the weather. His start against the Twins (or whatever start what was) it was raining. When you're a feel pitcher, I can't imagine that helps your grip.

It's the worst when the ball is still fresh. The water just on the surface makes it slippery. After the ball absorbs enough moisture it actually becomes easier to grip though heavier.

[apalradio]

Kuroda is a talented pitcher. He's mature, experienced, and a proven major leaguer. I fully expect him to keep the team in the game tonight. This one will be up to the offense. I hope they can solve Darvish.

[justtxyank]

Book closed. Not bad at all. 6 2/3, 5 hits, 2 runs, 5 SO, 2 BB. I'd sign up for that every day.

Too bad the offense is totally stifled by Darvish.

[2JAY]

Kuroda deserved a better fate as he pitched a solid game against a very good offensive team.

[89FoxBody]

Good thing the FO had no interest in Darvish.

Good job by Kuroda. Shame the offense hasn't woken up and that Darvish has been so good.

[TNyankeesfan89]

Nice job by Kuroda tonight!

[grizy]

Kuro-san did his job.

Just bad luck Darvish chose today to make his debut as an ace in MLB.

[LIYanks]

Good thing the FO had no interest in Darvish.

I am sorry but my sarcasm detector is not functioning tonight.

So you thought passing up Darvish was a smart move after tonight's performance by him?

[Eldee5]

Kuroda was impressive tonight against the powerful Texas lineup. Good job.

[RF21]

Good game, I don't know if it was him or Martin but you can't call four Straight Curve balls to Josh Hamilton and not expect him to get it right.