Oct 19, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) reacts during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game three of the ALCS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Johnny Cueto has similar issues in the playoffs as Price with a 1-3 record as an astronomical 6.93 ERA. All that can be erased with some quality starts in the World Series, but will it be enough? Cueto has the in season performance that attracts attention and 2014 really stands out. Cueto keeps the walks and hits under control and certainly can nail a K when needed.
What concerns me is the transition to the American League. The Kansas City record was 4-7 with a 4.76 ERA. That is in the territory of Rick Porcello and Wade Miley – both capable lower end of rotation performers. That is a warning flag where Boston could pump out 150M for a fourth or fifth starter.
Cueto is certainly entertaining and would get style points for his Luis Tiant approach to gamesmanship – baseball can be fun and Cueto would bring style points, savoir faire and entertainment to Fenway. This is a pitcher who would make game day a rather festive event especially, if his performance would match his record the last several seasons.
Cueto has also had some arm issues and that is another red flag of caution as wear and tear takes a vicicious toll on an arm. Would Cueto be amicable to a John Lackey type performance clause in his contract? With Cueto the risk versus reward would make me narrow my focus and I would pass based on his American League performance and potential arm issues.
Sources: Baseball-reference/fangraphs
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