November 19, 200322 yr Credit: MLB.com MIAMI -- While statistics sometimes can be misleading for pitchers, mechanics often tell the true story. Right-handed pitcher Justin Wayne struggled in Triple-A Albuquerque last season in part because he lost command of his two-seam fastball (or sinker). Regaining his form is an offseason priority. Wayne's minor-league numbers were a bit deceiving. If you looked solely at wins and losses, he was a disappointing 4-12. But his ERA was a respectable 4.24, pitching in the high New Mexico altitude. He had several quality outings with little to show for it. In 136 innings, opponents hit .266 against him. Of the 81 runs he allowed, 64 were earned. He recorded 82 strikeouts and 40 walks. Wayne is in the process of fine-tuning his mechanics, and in December he will travel to Puerto Rico to take part in some Winter League games. "We're trying to get his sinker back," said Marlins pitching coach Wayne Rosenthal. On Tuesday, Rosenthal watched Wayne throw in a bullpen session at the Marlins' complex in Jupiter, Fla. "He has been throwing bullpens the last few weeks," said Rosenthal. "We'll work with his two-seam fastball." Obtained in 2002 from Montreal as part of the Cliff Floyd trade, Wayne, a former first-round pick out of Stanford, has been highly regarded. The right-hander is not overpowering, with a fastball in the 88- to 90-mph range. When he is on, he has a quality curveball. Rosenthal would like to see him get his sinker working again, giving hitters something else to handle. Wayne has had limited Major League experience. Called upon to make two starts for the Marlins in 2003, the right-hander had his troubles. He was 0-2 (11.81) in two starts, giving up seven runs in 5 1/3 innings, with one strikeout and five walks. In 2002 he showed some promise as a September call-up. In five starts he was 2-3 (5.32), with 16 strikeouts and 13 walks.
November 19, 200322 yr He really came on after his horrible experience with the big club, but I don't expect him to be anything other than a 5th starter or middle relief.
November 19, 200322 yr Author I am a Wayne supporter, look back to during the season on here when people were getting on him hard. I would like to see him coming out of our pen next season in long relief. He can be very effective, I believe it. He needs a good Spring obviously so we shall see.
November 19, 200322 yr I saw him start 4 games this year in Albq, he looked good each time. Just seemed to lack confidence if you ask me.
November 19, 200322 yr I get the feeling the Marlins will give him every chance to make it, he's sort of a favorite of the front office....
November 19, 200322 yr He needs to pitch in winter ball. That will regain his confidence and at the same time he can work on what Rothensal is teaching him. Good choice.
November 20, 200322 yr Loria loves Wayne for some odd reason and will probaly give him every chance to make the ball club. Make Hawaii proud Justin!
November 20, 200322 yr Hope he does good during winter ball and hopefully he will be effective come Spring training. :thumbup
November 20, 200322 yr I am a Wayne supporter, look back to during the season on here when people were getting on him hard. I would like to see him coming out of our pen next season in long relief. He can be very effective, I believe it. He needs a good Spring obviously so we shall see. Is Admin = Jeff Loria!??! :lol
November 21, 200322 yr Hope he does good during winter ball and hopefully he will be effective come Spring training. :thumbup how about during the regular season?
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