Expect Big Things From Robbie Weinhardt
January 27th, 2010 Posted in Prospects2010 will be a big year for Robbie Weinhardt. The young reliever has quietly dominated his way through the Detroit Tigers farm system. The soon-to-be 25-year-old, right handed, 6-foot-2 reliever, is ready to become a house hold name.
THE REPERTOIRE
What’s not to love about a reliever that is able to miss bats and generate a solid amount of ground outs? His ability to pound the strike zone, induce ground balls and avoid the long ball makes him a serious option. Though Weinhardt relies mostly on his low-90s fastball, his repertoire also consists of a low-80s slider/curve and a mid-80s change-up. Fans will immediately appreciate the high intensity, no nonsense approach that Weinhardt brings to the table.
THE NUMBERS
Weinhardt began his professional career in Advanced-A Lakeland with a 20-plus-inning scoreless streak. Even after being promoted to AA Erie the solid numbers continued. After 63 innings of work Weinhardt
finished 2009 with a combined 1.57 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. He racked up 72 strikeouts and issued just 26 walks. After a rocky beginning, his dominance continued in the Arizona Fall League. Weinhardt finished
with an AFL high 29 strikeouts and a respectable 3.93 ERA in 18 1/3 innings of work.
WHEN?
Weinhardt now has a full season of professional ball under his belt. He has shown that he can get key outs in clutch situations. His ability to work fast and record several outs makes him an interesting option to bridge the gap between the starter and set-up role.
Although he is currently not on the 40 man roster, Weinhardt is a serious candidate to join the Tigers bullpen this season. While I don’t anticipate Weinhardt breaking camp on the 25 man roster, I do believe that he will be one of the first call-ups this season. It will likely take an injury or demotion to punch Weinhardts ticket to the show.
One thing is certain, this spring Tigers brass will be eyeing Robbie Weinhardt. Once called upon, Weinhardt will prove that he belongs in the show.
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Side note:
For a more in depth look at Weinhardt, follow the handy link to see an
excellent pitch f/x piece on Weinhardt last November by Mike Rogers.
4 Responses to “Expect Big Things From Robbie Weinhardt”
By Don_Imus on Jan 27, 2010
Excellent article. i saw him play in Lakeland and have to agree with your assement of him.
By stephen grosberg on Jan 28, 2010
I agree with everything and then some. Robbie Weinhardt has been proving it since 2008, not just 2009 on. Since the Tigers foolishly didn’t believe 2008, they started him repeating Lakeland in 2009. If you eliminate the first 3 games in the AFL, he was “perfect.” I understand from another excellent site that his fastball sits at 94-95. If this is true, he should have been promoted to closer instead of signing Valverde. Do you think the Tigers could make up a package of eating a decent amount of the salaries of Nate Robertson and Willis and throw in Fu-Te Ni and some fillers to make room for Weinhardt and Alfredo Figaro? Figaro deserves a post too. Since Cody Satterwhite, Andrew Oliver, and Jacob Turner are waiting in the wings, the Tigers have to make some hard decisions on cutting or trading. If they promote and eliminate correctly, they’ll have the room to contend, especially if Ryan Strieby’s wrist is 100%. I’m looking forward to a post on him too. All Tiger fans are MOST fortunate to have Spotstarters and t75n.
By Jayrc on Jan 29, 2010
I think that sounds about right, I seem to remember Robbie hitting 94 or 95 before. The low 90s refrence is more so an average velocity. I seem to think he will be used to bridge the gap between starter and loogy or set-up this season.
Thank you both for the comments