New article by Brian McTaggart details how Paulino is on his way to becoming a significant contributor to the rotation. Now, if only someone could score some runs...
Mills, on his lack of run support:
"He's handled it about as good as you can expect or want anybody to handle it. He's done an outstanding job. He wants to be out there on the mound and wants to be able to pitch. The way he's handled things has been first class all the way."
Kevin Cash Money:
"He's right on the brink of just taking off, I think. He's pumping 96, 97 [mph], and with the offspeed pitches that he has, he's real close."
McTaggart (and Arnsberg):
Astros pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, who's worked tirelessly with Paulino to streamline his mechanics by abbreviating his hip turn and finding a consistent arm slot, is encouraged with his progress.
"I'd like to see him out there with a cushion," Arnsberg said. "He's always pitching not to give up a run. It's been a pleasure to watch. As far as being 0-7, I don't think that's affected him at all. He just tries to stay in control of what he's got control of. My motto with him as been, 'Keep going out there and trying to put goose eggs on the board. This offense is going to take off sooner or later.'"
In his first five starts of the season, Paulino threw 27.2IP, 27H/17ER, 23K:18BB, and 58% of his pitches for strikes (17% looking, 9% swinging).
In his last five starts, he has thrown 31.2IP, 26H/12ER, 31K:16BB, with 61% of his pitches for strikes (18% looking, 9% swinging).
And in his last three starts, he has thrown 20IP, 13H/4ER, 13K:12BB, with 59%/17%/6% and the Astros are 2-1 in those starts.
Paulino threw eight shutout innings last time out - the first time he had started a game in which he didn't allow a run since April 19, 2009 against Cincinnati. This is a big start for Paulino tonight - let's hope he can keep it rolling.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
