Says the out-of-options Fernando (who can hear the drums):
“The most important thing is that I have to demonstrate for them and all the other teams that I can be a pitcher worthy of the big league level,” said Nieve, who will face the New York Mets on Sunday. “My goal is to show that I can pitch at this level. I don’t have options, so I’ll keep working hard to stay here.”
Catch that? Demonstrate for the Astros - and all the other teams. Because should he not make the club out of Spring Training, he goes on waivers, and who wouldn't want a 26-year old pitcher with good stuff? But here's my concern: it's not like the Astros are so stacked at SP that, if he makes a good showing this spring, he couldn't get a decent shot. But what's more valuable to the team? A decent Backe or a promising Nieve?
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
