2011 Stats (A- Mahoning Valley): 0-0, 3.00, 1.00 WHIP, .250 OBA, 0 BB/9, 6.0 K/9
Everything was going perfectly for Rondon through the 2009 season. He had followed up an excellent 2008 (11-6, 3.60, 9.0 K/9) at Kinston with an equally impressive year (11-10, 3.38, 8.4 K/9) split between Akron and Columbus. Then, the proverbial roof caved in. After never surrendering more than 13 home runs in any career season, Hector served up 12 in his first seven 2010 starts. He was quickly diagnosed with a UCL strain in his pitching elbow and shut down indefinitely. Rondon chose a rest and rehab program, which progressed nicely until a bullpen session in August resulted in more intense pain. Does anyone know how to repair a UCL? Yup, Tommy John surgery. Hector came back on the short end of the 12-18 month recovery period to pitch for the Scrappers at the close of 2011. In addition to rebuilding arm strength, Rondon will have to overcome his removal from the 40-man roster in November. Personally, I believe that if the Tribe had not already written in their starting rotation, a different move would have been made and Hector would have competed for a back end spot during spring camp.
So, with all of that stacked against him, what do like about Rondon? His fastball, of course! Before the injury, he was hitting 96 on the gun and, according to Indians VP of Player Development Ross Atkins, has regained every bit of that velocity post-surgery, if not more. His secondary pitches, a slider and a straight change, are merely average by MLB standards, but have been the focus of Hector's off-season. An extremely mature and diligent person, I would not be surprised to see great strides in these offerings come Spring Training.
While there have been discussion about moving him to the bullpen, those conversation have been tabled pending Rondon's 2012 performance. I have every expectation that Hector will return to form in 2012 and, assuming he produces, should be among the top options should another starter be needed in the bigs.
Man, I sure am sick of detailing the talent squandered within the organization thanks to injury...
Up Next: #17 OF LeVon Washington
