Manny Parra Predicts Brewers Turnaround
If the Brewers are successful in 2010, lefty Manny Parra will probably have a lot to do with it. The 27-year-old pitcher seems to have the tools to be a high-end starter, but sputtered to a 6.36 ERA in 27 starts last year and is looking to bounce back this season under the guidance of new pitching coach Rick Peterson.
And Parra is welcoming higher expectations for himself, the pitching staff and the team as a whole heading into the 2010 season. In an interview with SportsRadio 1250 WSSP out of Milwaukee, Parra was asked to predict a win total. And here was his response:
“I would say let’s shoot for 90. Like everyone knows, this team can hit. When we pitch, we win. I’ll be the first to say, even with the way I pitched in the second half, I was able to have a winning record in the second half because of how good our offense is. I think that just goes to show that we don’t have to be Cy Young award winners. We just need to go deeper into games and give our team a better chance of winning ballgames. We’re right there. I don’t see why we can’t go back and get right back into contending for the division.”
You can listen to the full interview here: Manny Parra WSSP Interview
Despite a suddenly crowded rotation with three lefties in the mix, I can’t imagine the Brewers not penciling in Parra as a starter to begin the year, barring injury or an epic spring training implosion. And there might not be a single player on the team that has more room to grow this year than Parra. I appreciate the optimism and I hope he can start to deliver on his great potential this season.
Tags: Manny Parra
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:05 am
I like Parra a lot. But he has to lose that sad-ass fascial expression he always wears on his face. You know, the one where it looks like “someone took a
crap in his bowl of cereal”-look.
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:34 am
I think Parra’s biggest problem is he seems to be mentally weak (that look you talked about is part of that too, Scottage). He unravels quickly and can’t seem to pull himself out of it. Oftentimes, it carries over from start to start too. I’m hoping another year in the majors and Rick Peterson’s tutelage will help him get over that.
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:43 am
But it’s obvious the guy has a boatload of talent: http://nashvillesounds.com/audio/2007/Highlight%206-25.mp3
That still gives me goosebumps…
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
I just like the word “tutelage”
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:13 pm
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January 23rd, 2010 at 9:24 am
I actually like the team this year. Gone are Hall, Hardy, and Cameron. That’s a lot of power, but also a lot of strikeouts with men on base. We are going to miss those 4 weeks during the season when Hardy hits .600 and a HR every other day.
I like the mix of speed and power, though as my friend says, who is going to teach Macha how to play small ball. (shout out to Paye Day!)
The stars would have to align, but this team can win 90 games and perhaps, we can finally hang a real banner up; 2010 NL Central Champs!
January 25th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I’ve always been high on Parra, and I eas just shocked by his performance last season (or lack thereof). He’ll win the final rotation spot over Suppan and turn things around.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
I am pumped for the season. Now that there’s a chance we could get more than GRIT from our catcher and our rotation is on the upswing, my optimism is off the charts. (just like the last 3 Januaries)
January 26th, 2010 at 11:33 am
I have a soft spot for Manny-Mo… I needs him to be good.