If You See the Answer, Now’s the Time to Say
After a year of promising speculation yet no big league appearances, Chance Adams (2.45/1.08/150) remains a pitching enigma.
For instance, here are two articles from Pinstripe Alley. The first was written in November while the second appeared just a few days ago. Remember as you read that Adams pitched not a single inning during the interim.
"There’s no question, though, as to whether Adams will get a chance next year. After posting those results he will have an outside chance at making the club in spring, albeit more likely after the Super Two deadline. The expectations aren’t astronomical—Craig Goldstein of BP describes him as having third starter potential, but every single team needs a third starter. Not everyone can be a Severino, and that’s fine, but with other big arms likely out the door, having an Adams could be a big part of their starting equation in what is now a year of serious contention."
"After parts of three seasons in the Yankees organization, Adams seems poised to make his major-league debut at some point in the 2018 campaign, with many people believing he’s destined for a spot in the rotation. Sadly, I don’t consider myself part of that group. Adams has some talent, and I think he’ll see time in the big leagues in 2018, but his repertoire and history suggest a bullpen role over a starting spot."
Oh Vey
That is not meant to pick on PA. I could have quoted two of my articles from the same times with the same change of opinion. But then I would be quoting myself about Chance Adams for this current report based on previous articles of mine about Chance Adams, and no one wants that.
Not even Robert Zemeckis.
The point is that no one can seem to predict precisely what Adams will be and there are only questions coming into Spring Training.
For instance, if Adams has the same results in Spring Training as he did all of last year, but shows the same command and control, will he even get an opportunity to pitch for the Yankees? Even out of the pen?
The Yankees would likely give a begrudging yes.
Because, by not trading him during the off-season, they gave scouts time to dig deep into the data. That’s why he is ranked lower this year by MLB.com (75) than last (53). And more telling is that they project him only as high as a number three, at best:
"Adams worked at 92-94 mph with his fastball as a Dallas Baptist reliever, but now sits at 94 as a pro starter. His heater lacks life so he has to command it well to succeed and usually does. His slider has gotten faster and tighter in pro ball, and it’s now a plus pitch in the mid-80s. The key for Adams to reaching his upside as a No. 3 starter will be refining his changeup into a solid third offering. He also has a curveball that’s his fourth-best pitch yet still qualifies as average."
Will Adams Wear Pinstripes in 2018?
The best way the Yankees can re-establish his value at this point is to let him pitch in the majors. And the best way to do that is out of the pen. That way he can be brought in for match-ups that overwhelmingly favor him, and show his best stuff.
I’m not sure he ever suits up for the Yankees. But if he does, it will be because he can dominate big league hitters. And that would be an excellent sign for the Yankees in 2018.
If even two of these men become great relievers, the Yankees odds of success go way up. Acevedo and Abreu seem like locks; Yankees fans will be cheering them on sooner rather than later. Tate will join them if he can keep his aggressive attitude.
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Adams, however, is becoming trade bait more and more every day.
But that won’t matter if the double AA’s arrive. They will join Aroldis Chapman, and hopefully, Robertson and Betances, to form the kind of super pen that wins championships.
And a chance to become starters next year.