Bastardo Gets NL POW Consideration

Not bad for your debut week, Antonio Bastardo. Pitching 12 innings, going 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA, surrendering three runs and striking out nine earned him a National League Player of the Week nominee. Ian Stewart of the Colorado Rockies took the honors. He earned his wins against the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers.

In the midst of all his success are a couple observations I've made. He can't keep trying to blow it by the batters. One thing that's been talked about was his gripping of the baseball too tight and there for losing control of his change up. I think with 2 starts under his belt and the rookie jitters out of the way, he'll be mixing in his pitches a helluva lot more.

But other than those, I congratulate Bastardo and I hope he cements a starting role for the near future. Keep up the good work.