If this is Olson's last start...
...he's going to finish the year 9-10 with a 6.65 ERA, and leave his manager wondering if he's cut out to pitch in a major league rotation.
Olson's next turn falls on Sunday, but Jeremy Guthrie could bump him. We'll know for sure in a few days, after Guthrie throws a simulated game tomorrow.
"I would say overall I'm very happy," Olson said. "I feel like I went out there and gave 100 percent every day. I feel like I didn't cheat myself or the team. Obviously, you look at some of the numbers and, yeah, it could have been better, but overall I can't be disappointed with it. I think I learned a lot from it and gave everything I had."
That's probably not what manager Dave Trembley wants to hear. He's not satisfied - not by a long shot. And while he appreciates Olson's work ethic, he expected the left-hander to seize the opportunity after being recalled. It didn't happen. That's why Olson could end up in the bullpen next spring.
"I think the numbers would tell you what kind of year it's been for him," Trembley said. "He's won nine ballgames, so he did something right, but there are other areas that definitely stand out. Command has been an issue with him, or lack thereof. If you go back and you look at all the times that he's pitched, a lot of times it's either early in the game and he's had a hard time getting things started, or the fifth and sixth inning. That's been very hard for him.
"The issue with him, like a lot of other people, is his delivery. He's got to be able to repeat it."
Asked where he needs to improve if he's going to establish himself at this level, Olson replied: "I think the biggest thing for me is just confidence. It's just a feel, going out there every day feeling like you own the mound. It's something I've been able to do my whole career, everywhere, going from college to the minor leagues. And I feel like I have improved at this level. But just being consistent, that definitely comes with more confidence."
Much better answer.
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