can we at least wait until mid-may before ranking him against the rest of the league?
if he came out today and got torched for 6 runs on 11 hits in 5 innings, it wouldnt mean he was a bust or overrated.
similarly, a good debut has to be kept in perspective. if im not mistaken, nomo and irabu got out of the gate fast as well.
add: he is definitely a very good pitcher. and better than his asian predecessors. but its still one start.
It started in the World Championship where the number of pitches he possesses, 8 in all I believe, completely dominated the World's opposition, not just the U.S. Anyone who has visually watched him pitch, no matter the opponent, can see that he possesses exceptional versatility in his pitches at any time and he has the poise of a veteran. He showed more of the same in spring training. Not sure where he may rank. That isn't important. What is important is that he is going to be difficult to beat on most days.
