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In case you missed it, this is what Cincinnati Red's rookie pitcher Johnny Cueto accomplished in yesterday's 3-2 win over Arizona, via the Elias Sports Bureau:
"What a debut for Johnny Cueto, who defeated the Diamondbacks, striking out 10 batters, walking none, and pitching five perfect innings before allowing a home run to Justin Upton.
Cueto became the first pitcher in modern major-league history (that is, since 1900) to record at least 10 strikeouts without allowing a walk in his MLB debut.
Cueto's five perfect innings was the furthest that any pitcher had taken a perfecto in his debut since 1997, when Ken Cloude of the Mariners pitched five-and-one-third perfect innings before allowing a walk to Mario Valdez of the White Sox. The last N.L. pitcher to go that far in his debut was Wayne Simpson of the Reds in 1970.
Finally, Cueto became the third pitcher since 1900 to strike out at least 10 batters and allow only one hit (or none) in his major-league debut. The others were Juan Marichal in 1960 and Steve Woodard of the Brewers in 1997."
"What a debut for Johnny Cueto, who defeated the Diamondbacks, striking out 10 batters, walking none, and pitching five perfect innings before allowing a home run to Justin Upton.
Cueto became the first pitcher in modern major-league history (that is, since 1900) to record at least 10 strikeouts without allowing a walk in his MLB debut.
Cueto's five perfect innings was the furthest that any pitcher had taken a perfecto in his debut since 1997, when Ken Cloude of the Mariners pitched five-and-one-third perfect innings before allowing a walk to Mario Valdez of the White Sox. The last N.L. pitcher to go that far in his debut was Wayne Simpson of the Reds in 1970.
Finally, Cueto became the third pitcher since 1900 to strike out at least 10 batters and allow only one hit (or none) in his major-league debut. The others were Juan Marichal in 1960 and Steve Woodard of the Brewers in 1997."
Cueto got rave reviews during the spring and yesterday he pitched 7 strong innings, only giving up 1 hit and 1 run, while striking out 10. If this is any indication how he is going to pitch this season, then the Reds might be able to make some noise in the NL Central.
Don't forget, they still have Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo and picked up Josh Fogg and an improved Edinson Volquez in the offseason. That's not a bad starting rotation and they have a decent closer in Francisco Cordero, who I'm sure the Brewers wish they still had instead of Eric Gagne. I still don't understand that move.
Offensively, they are pretty solid with Adam Dunn, Brandon Phillips, Ken Griffey JR, and the addition of rookie Joey Votto. They also have the # 1 overall prospect Jay Bruce waiting in the wings in AAA.
So where did Cueto come from? Well he is rated the # 34 overall prospect by Baseball America but to me it looks as though his small size, similar to Pedro Martinez, is what is keeping him from being rated higher.
This scouting report I found is pretty detailed and even has some video. He features good command on his fastball, along with a plus changeup and has received great reviews on his slider.
Look for big things from Cueto throughout the season, however, there is always the possibility that Dusty Baker ruins Johnny Cueto.
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