No Need To Panic About deGrom’s Initial Texas Rangers Start
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The Texas Rangers doled out a mammoth $185 million contract to Jacob deGrom to ultimately lead them to a World Series title.
That means excellence is expected every single time he takes the mound.
Anything less is unacceptable.
When the 34-year-old deGrom tossed only 3 1/3 innings and gave up six hits – all for extra bases – and five runs, it was natural to wonder if there was cause for concern.
After all, deGrom had allowed five earned runs or more only four times in his career before Thursday, which turned out to be an 11-7 Rangers victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
“I need to make an adjustment," deGrom said. "I need to see them leaning out over and make the adjustment and go into (inside) them.”
Hey, he was honest.
Whether a marquee free agent is earning $2 million or $185 million, there’s always an adjustment period with a new team.
When Francisco Lindor moved from the Cleveland Indians to the New York Mets, he struggled.
When Nick Castellanos moved from the Cincinnati Reds to the Phillies last season, he scuffled for virtually the entire season.
Rangers fans don’t want to hear any excuses and nor should they.
An addition like deGrom signals winning. And it will.
Look for deGrom, if he remains healthy, to get 25-30 starts. By the end of the regular season, Opening Day will be a distant memory.
He’s just too talented and too driven.
After one shaky start, you can bet that deGrom will be in the film room doing everything he can to correct his mistakes.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner will be determined in making it three.
In 2017, deGrom had an ERA of 3.53.
Since his rookie season of ’14, his ERA has never eclipsed that point.
Don’t expect deGrom’s current ERA of 12.27 to last long. His 209 previous starts are proof.
Start No. 210 was definitely an exception.
Did the Rangers overpay for deGrom? Probably. But that’s free agency these days. The salaries are higher than ever.
But deGrom is worth every penny. His body of work will prove that.
In fact, $185 million may end up being a bargain.
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