Altoona’s pitching staff looks to build off some young talent in there pitching rotation this season. Jorge Estrada, Ben O’Farrell, and Anthony Molina look to show the CBL world why the Altoona organization holds them to such high expectations
Before we start the 2024 pitching preview we give the cbl world a little news. Last years pitching coach for Altoona has been replaced by pitching coach Tom Signore. The team said Mike Butcher and the organization have mutually parted ways after Butcher openly complained about manager Tom Prince’s hand off style.
But without further delay here is what we believe Altoona’s pitching staff will look like come opening day…
SP Jorge Estrada
In Estrada’s first full season with the Curve the young right hander threw 213 innings posting a 14-13 record with a 3.72 era
Strengths: Estrada keeps the ball on the ground and doesn’t walk very many batters. He challenges hitters to beat him rather than making mistakes that beat himself
Weaknesses: Estrada’s expectations are through the roof with this organization as both fans and management believe this young righty has more to give. Itll be interesting to see if he has another season like his last or maybe even improve on it.
SP Anthony Molina
Recently acquired by the Dayton Sting (now Manchester Marauders) Molina looks to finally breakout with his new ball club. Molina threw 199 innings recording a 10-18 record and posting a 4.29 era
Strengths: Molina has pinpoint control with a big time arm. He induces groundballs and will compete against any batter
Weaknesses: Much like Estrada, expectations are high for Molina. The fan base is thrilled to have him in the organization but it came at a price. Molina will be looked upon to prove he was worth the price tag.
SP Zach Bird
Fan Favorite Zach Bird is ready to make a splash this year for the Curve. Hes on a contract year and looking to make a big name for himself before payday. Bird threw 199 innings recording a 12-12 record and posting a 4.07 era
Strengths: Consistency is the name of the game for Bird. What you see is what you get. He’s got a great relationship with catcher Salvador Perez as they both came over from the Canadians. Look for them to improve on what they started last year
Weaknesses: His control has been a huge question mark. He sometimes beats himself and looks complacent while doing so. Almost as if its not that important to him. He can be difficult to watch when hes off.
SP Ben “Scotty” O’Farrell
O’Farrell was lights out last year for Erie and then Altoona. This young righty looks to throw the ball like he did last season. O’Farrell recorded a combine 8-3 record posting a 2.76 era and throwing 150 innings
Strengths: Big time arm, he looks to strike hitter out with ease. His Cut fastball is revered by hitters around the HL
Weaknesses: Cares too much about the K. He ofter over throws causing his fastball to show less movement. His Stamina is a big time concern because he hasn’t been one to go real deep into games. Also the organization is working very hard to assure this injury prone righthander stays on the field all season
SP Bob Burton
Coming over from Tucson last year, Burton looks to improve his reputation in the eyes of Altoona’s fan base. Burton is respected among management but everyone is looking for him to improve from last years campaign. Burton threw 163 innings recording a 5-15 record and posting a 4.43 era
Strengths: Burton throws four good pitches all for strikes. When Burton is on he is truly hard to hit and fun to watch. His leadership ability especially among fellow starters is uncanny. Often times he’ll take them aside and tell them things hes picking up in their mechanics
Weaknesses: The pressure is on Burton to succeed its time to sink or swim. Tom Prince believes he can be an excellent addition to this Altoona pitching rotation but he has to stop leaving the ball up in the zone. Princes advice to the right hander was “stop stressing and throw your game. You have loved this game all your life, bring back the little leaguer in you and throw your game”
CP Jameson Taillon
Taillon is the most expensive pitcer on the whole Altoona pitching staff so expectation are high on this closing pitcher. In his first season with Altoona he lived up to the contract. Throwing 112 innings out of the bullpen with a 2.90 era
Strengths: There is alot to like about Taillon whether is be his past success, his great work ethic and leadership, or his big time arm
Weaknesses: His stamina has seemed to decrease throughout his career. He goes long for a bullpen arm but often times you can see him pressing on the mound after an inning or two. Altoona is best served not throwing Taillon 100 plus innings again to keep his arm fresh for when they really need him to come in and get big time outs
RP Craig Kimbrel
Kimbrel has had one of the best CBL careers as a reliever but last year left much to be desired. Is he aged out? Can he dominate at this level again? Questions need answer for this veteran righty. Kimbrel threw 78 innings between the Bats and Curve with a 4.78 era
Strengths: His stuff seems to be unmatched by anyone in this organization and he certainly brings a huge level of experience in big games.
Weaknesses: Whats is wrong with Craig Kimbrel? Can he get anyone out? We want our players back! Those were common questions and statements by the Altoona fan base. Kimbrel’s first campaign with the Curve was surely his worst. Management still seems to think he can be elite but he needs to prove that to the less believing fans
RP Scott Blewett
Blewett had a bounce back season for the Curve in 2023. Blewett threw 61 innings with a 1.71 era
Strengths: Blewett can be down right nasty as he showed last season. He is fantastic against right handed hitters and induces many groundballs
Weaknesses: streaky to say the least. It seems like this man can’t have two good consecutive seasons. Blewett will have to show he can be a big time arm for more than one season in a row
RP Juan Holquin
Holquin had a fun and successful reunion with his new/former team. Holquin threw 73 innings posting a 3.30 era
Strengths: He has a big time fastball and he can be flat out mean to hitters. He also has a fun and relaxed personality in the bullpen which loosens many teammates up.
Weaknesses: Honestly Holquin needs to stop throwing his dreadful changeup. I don’t know what hes thinking when he throws that thing and shame on Tom Prince for not forbidding he throw that pitch. Furthermore if you are looking for big time groundball or inning ending double play Holquin is not your guy
RP Miguel Almonte
Almonte has never lived up to scouts perception of him. Almonte threw 57 innings with Dayton and posted a dreadful 5.93 era…
Strengths: Almonte passes every eye test given his way. He throws hard and his pitches move. Not to mention he knows how to locate all of his pitches.
Weaknesses: WHY OH WHY IS HE SOOOOOOO BAD… Nobody can answer this question but yet year in and year out he disappoints projection and predictions. Tom Prince says “We’ve cracked the code on Almonte, look for him to be lights out” but honestly no part of me will believe that until i see it
RP Devin Williams
Williams was traded to Altoona from Tucson. The organization believes he can be very serviceable out of the bullpen. Willams threw 48 innings with a 4.50 era
Strengths: Williams has a sneaky good fastball and is very tough for right handed batter to hit. He takes a real long stride to home plate so the ball seems to jump out at you. After making the move to Altoona, Williams believes hes more comfortable and ready to help this Curve team win ball games
Weaknesses: Another player just like Holquin who needs to lose the changeup he thinks can throw. That pitch gets shelled almost anytime he throws it.
And there you have it, our 2024 offensive and pitching preview for your Altoona Curve. We’ll keep you updated and bring the news throughout the season but until then……. GO CURVE!