What To Do About Webb

It is becoming extremely clear that Brandon Webb is still not ready for the majors, and may not be anytime in the near future.

Webb, coming off his most recent rehab start in Double A Frisco, only lasted 2/3's of an inning, allowing 6 hits, 4 runs, and a walk before being yanked by the Rough Riders manager. He is still struggling with his velocity, bringing his fastball in consistently at 83-85 mph, which simply won't cut it in the Bigs. If he can work on hitting his spots, and bump his velocity up to a more respectable 87-88, he can use his phenomenal sinker, which was once viewed as "one of the best pitches in all of baseball" according to Sports Illustrated. But the clock is ticking.

He is attempting a comeback after undergoing shoulder surgery on his pitching arm on Aug. 3, 2009. Prior to this, Webb was the N.L Cy Young winner in 2006, and in 2009 he was named #31 on the Sporting News' list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball. So we know the guy has talent. At this point, it is all about recovering and tapping back into that immense talent that was seen in his tenure with Arizona.

So how much longer do the Ranger's wait? Going into the season, they never gave Webb a timetable, so there really isn't any pressure on him at the moment. Luckily for the Rangers, their young starting pitchers have done a stellar job so far this season, with the only pitching questions popping up in the bullpen. At this point, Webb needs to start showing drastic improvements if he is going to make the club, or even play in the majors again. With Tommy "Big Game" Hunter and Scott "Scooter" Feldman both coming of solid rehab starts, and looking to join the club within the few weeks, as well as the MLB only allowing 30 days for a player to be out on a rehab assingment, the clock is ticking for Brandon Webb. If Webb can get healthy, find his form, and brush up on his mechanics, he would be on his way to revamping a phenomenal career as well as helping the Rangers in the second half of the season, as well as the playoffs.

But if he can't, we may be close to seeing the end of Brandon Webb. Only time will tell.

-Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father