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WHO IN THE WORLD IS JOSH BANKS? by Jason Martinez posted 6/02/08 And what is it that he did on Saturday? Uhh, what's a complete game? Forgive me. As a Padre fan, I'm just not very familiar with complete games anymore. In 2007, the pitching staff had a total of one complete game, tossed by Greg Maddux. Not even Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy finished a game. And although Peavy pitched a complete game earlier this season, he's only pitched into the 8th inning in two out of nine starts. What Banks did is a very big deal around here. Just two season ago, Banks, 25, was considered the #5 prospect in the Toronto Blue Jays' system, according to Baseball America. Almost every article written about the right-hander mentions his five-pitch repertoire, solid command of a 90-93 mph fastball, and great control of all of his pitches. According to some, Banks has as many as eight pitches. So why did Toronto let him go? Well, for starters, they probably have the best rotation in baseball right now. And Banks didn't exactly impress in three games for Toronto last season, giving up six runs and 11 hits in 7.1 innings pitched. After getting shelled in three starts in AAA Syracuse this season, Toronto decided he didn't have a future with the organization. Does Banks have a future with the Padres? If Saturday was any indication of how he's capable of pitching, then pencil him into the starting rotation for the next five years. More likely, he'll go through his rough patches, like most rookies do. Remember, this is a guy that was getting roughed up in Portland (6.66 ERA in 24.1 IP) just a few weeks ago. I doubt that a light went on in his head once he was promoted to San Diego. Regardless, his first start with the Padres was a memorable one, even if most Padre fans didn't get to see it. It was a good game on the radio, anyways. It'll be hard to top but I'll be happy if Banks can just give the team 15-18 quality starts and earns a spot in the 2009 rotation. |