Thursday, March 07, 2002
A new view for Acevedo
Spring training wasn't like this in '01 for pitcher
By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SARASOTA, Fla. — Last year at this time, Jose Acevedo was just showing up at spring training. He was one of the many nameless minor-leaguers beginning their season.
“It never crossed my mind that I would pitch at this level,” Acevedo said.
This level being the big leagues. But — partly on merit, partly out of desperation — Acevedo made the jump to the Reds' rotation from Double-A in mid-June.
Acevedo, the 24-year-old right-hander, was like the other rookies in the rotation — inconsistent. He showed enough that he's getting a good opportunity to return to the rotation.
“I feel confident because of last year,” Acevedo said.
He looked confident in his outing Tuesday in the Reds' 3-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Acevedo pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out two.
“He threw great,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “He looked really sharp. We talked to all the pitchers about getting the first pitch in the strike zone. He was very focused. He understood what he had to do.”
Acevedo and the other two rookies from last year — Lance Davis and Chris Reitsma — also understand they have to earn a spot in this year's rotation. That can make it difficult early in the spring when you're supposed to be working on your stuff, not worrying about results.
“We all feel the pressure,” Acevedo said. “There's a lot of competition here. You've got to show people what you can do and what you've got.”
Acevedo has a fastball consistently in the low-90s.
“My fastball is good,” he said. “But at this level, you've got to have two pitches, at least. Three is better. I'm working on my slider and my split-finger.”
Acevedo needs to be more consistent. Last year, he went 5-7 with a 5.44 ERA. Of 18 starts, 10 qualified as quality (six-plus innings, three runs or fewer). But in five starts, he didn't make it past the fourth inning.
Elmer Dessens is the only lock for the rotation. Acevedo, Reitsma and Davis are competing with veterans Joey Hamilton, Jimmy Haynes and Brian Bohanon for the other spots. Young pitchers Brian Reith, Ty Howington, Ricardo Aramboles and Luke Hudson also are getting looks.
Seth Etherton will be considered when he's healthy enough to pitch.
Despite all the competition, Acevedo likes his chances better than he did last year.
“Last year, I wasn't on the 40-man roster,” he said. “I was over on the other side (with the minor-leaguers). I've got a lot more experience now.”
E-mail jfay@enquirer.com
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A new view for Acevedo
