Yu got to be Kidding me!

Ehsan Azad

Yu got to be kidding me!

                When the Texas Rangers were revealed to be the winners of the secret bid for the rights to negotiate for star Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish, I was a little skeptical. Sure at the time he was considered one hell of a prospect and some say the best foreign player in the world. Yu was a legend in Japan and many thought he would bring that here. But, I looked at previous over-hyped sensations that came to MLB, like Chan Ho Park, and how little they did in the majors. I wanted people to tap the brakes a bit with this new star. Today, I give you permission to hit the gas on Yu mania.

                Tonight, Yu will face an incredible test as the Rangers face off against the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander will get the start opposite Darvish, so you know that this will be a low scoring affair. It’s up to Yu to step up and bring his best game. So far that hasn’t been a problem for Darvish.  This is a pitcher that in his first start of the season was just an out away in the bottom of the ninth from a perfect game. The man is averaging almost eight strikeouts a game and he is on pace to break Nolan Ryan’s single season record for strikeouts. He has a 2.73 E.R.A., has a 6-1 record and isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

                What makes Darvish such a feat to watch is that he overpowers a hitter every time, which is rare to see by pitchers these days. Most pitchers don’t try to overpower their throws in fear of hurting their elbow, for Yu it seems like his elbow is the last thing on his mind. This for the time being makes Darvish one of the most feared pitchers in the league right now. But, there has to be some caution on his health. He is risking it every time he gets on the mound the way he is pitching and it could cost him a long career in the majors.  Others will tell you though that Darvish is fine and his amazing stamina allows him to continue on this torrid pace. I tend to think that the unique way he throws the ball allows him to overcome any elbow or arm injury. He will play for a long time in the league.

                I was wrong on the kid. This can flat out play baseball at a high level and gives the Rangers an ace to an already emerging rotation. Now it’s time for the Rangers offense to flourish and give some run support for their ace, as Yu leads them back to top of the baseball world.