Johnny Cueto: A look at his 2012 MLB performance
Johnny Cueto has over the years come to represent the Cincinnati Reds as one of the finest and commanding pitchers. Skilful, brisk and ruthless, he has, beyond any shadow of doubt, incredibly emboldened the Reds’ rotation.
Making his debut in 2008, the evolution of this player as a remarkably effective and fast pitcher has been a treat to watch for the Reds’ fans. All the same, he has emerged as one of the renowned starters of the National League now.
The year 2012, therefore, had its own significance for the quality pitcher. The Reds had erected an incontrovertibly impregnable defence this year, bidding for the bigger titles and glory as the season progressed.
As things moved on, the regular season was a successful bid for the Reds; wherein the team prevailed over virtually all rivals, outshining them in all departments of the game. Cueto’s role, it goes without saying, was of much significance.
The very fact that he was handed ball on the Opening Day was, in effect, the demonstration of confidence that the team had in his skills and talent. Supremely talented pitcher, therefore, did not disappoint the team at all.
The 5’10 pitcher prolifically contributed to the team’s success as the season moved on. Cueto pitched in 33 regular season games, having started in all, to maintained an impressive 2.78 ERA with 19-9 record.
In 217 innings that he pitched, the pitcher had 170 strikeouts to his credit, with 1.17 WHIP and .252 BAA.
The Reds starter remained 3rd in NL in his most wins (19), 3rd in ERA (2.78), 4th in most complete games (2), 5th in innings pitched (217) and 9th in winning percentage with .679.
The excellent performance that he exhibited in the regular season helped the team qualify for the postseason. That was indeed an incredible sight to behold, given the expectations attached to the Reds’ eventual victory.
Much to the Reds’ consternation, however, the Reds starter collapsed in the very first inning of the National League Division Series Game 1 against the San Francisco Giants because of the strained muscle in his back, rendering him unable to toss more than
eight pitches.
The Reds, nonetheless, were looking optimistically at his return as the competition stiffened, entering into the decisive phase. At one point, the Reds were hoping Cueto would make it before Game 5. They did not want to see Cueto out of roster.
Bronson Arroyo had said: "If we have to go to a Game 5, somebody is probably going to have to pitch on three days' rest, or we're going to have to take Johnny off the roster, which would eliminate him for the next round. So something probably wouldn't be
in our benefit if we had to go deeper into the series.”
The unthinkable eventually happened, and Cueto was out. That was ultimately devastating for the Reds, a team that was looking for bigger glory. Cueto’s absence eventually proved costly for the Reds as the Giants beat them in the Game 5 of the NLDS, eliminating
their season and the bid to make it to National League Championship Series.
Nonetheless, Reds hope they will see a much stronger Cueto in 2013 Major League Baseball, a season where they will try to achieve what they could not in 2012.
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