Rays 2009 player preview: J.P. Howell

January 19, 4:22 PMTampa Bay Rays ExaminerRob Quinn

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According to J.P. Howell’s bio, J.P. stands for James Phillip. The J.P. should stand for Junkball Pitcher. Howell took an 86 MPH fastball with sick movement to the mound in 2008 and dominated with it. Throw in a nice curve and changeup and hitters were left feeling about as off-balance as Bob Huggins getting out of a car.

"These hitters, you've got to go right at them, but at the same time you can't give them too much of the plate, and you've got to mix it up. They're really good hitters, and they can take you deep at any time. So you have to attack them and not walk them, and when you walk them, you get in a lot of trouble." – J.P. Howell

Howell said that after Game Two of the ALDS against the White Sox, but it is a good summation of how his approach keeps hitters guessing. The numbers tell the story of just how baffled hitters were when facing Howell. Batters took a hack at only 55.1% of the pitches Howell threw in the strike zone – the fifth lowest total in the majors. To be able to get that many looking strikes is a huge advantage for any pitcher. Overall, hitters swung at only 38.7% of his pitches – the third lowest total in the majors. The fact that Howell was able to strike out more than a batter per inning (92 K in 89.1 IP) with an 86 MPH fastball is a testament to Howell’s command of the strike zone with his junk.

Howell found life as a born-again relief pitcher last year. He began his career as a starter and went 5-14 with a 6.34 ERA in 33 starts for the Royals and Rays between 2005 and 2007. Maddon and Howell discussed a move to the pen prior to the start of last season and J.P. ran with it, going 6-1 with a 2.22 ERA, a .198 BAA, and 3 saves in 89.1 innings in 2008.

Believe it or not J.P.’s struggles as a starter have actually helped him as a relief pitcher:

"I had a lot of practice as a starter getting in some jams and trying to get out of them. So I think that has a lot to do with this relief role. And channeling all my energy and nervousness into the pitch. That's the key. I think that is the biggest battle as a relief pitcher is not looking around the atmosphere and letting those nerves get to you." – J.P. again after Game Two against Chicago.

What a great attitude for a relief pitcher to have, especially in his first season in the role. The results clearly showed that J.P. found an approach that worked for him.

Howell obviously impressed a lot of people with his 2008 work on the mound, as he was selected to represent the United States on the 2009 World Baseball Classic roster along with teammate Scott Kazmir. Hopefully the hard work J.P. will put in for the WBC will not affect his 2009 performance for the Rays – he is currently the only lefty in the bullpen and Joe Maddon will be counting on him to be a clutch performer yet again.

My 2009 prediction: 71 G, 84 IP, 7-4, 2.97 ERA, 77 K, 1.23 WHIP, 3 SV

Howell found a home out in the bullpen last year and became very comfortable there. He learned how to pitch and has a good approach to getting big outs. This should lead to another successful season out of the Tampa Bay pen.

J.P. Howell on baseball reference

J.P. Howell on FanGraphs

J.P. Howell on retrosheet

The full ALDS interview with J.P. is here

Marc Lancaster had a good interview that reveals some of J.P.'s personality here

Comment on my prediction for J.P. or e-mail me at raysexaminer@live.com

 Huggins photo - AP/Don Wright