San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Kontos, Utility Players, Duvall

April 17, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher George Kontos (70) delivers a pitch during the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

So far in 2015, Kontos has pitched 17.2 innings and has posted a 1.53 ERA with 11 strikeouts and four walks. He’s given up 13 hits and three earned runs and has a 0.96 WHIP.

The key for Kontos has always been the command of his slider. If his slider isn’t breaking as much as usual or if it breaks late, his effectiveness goes way down. This season, he’s had good control of his slider and has mixed in his other pitches (such as his fastball and cutter) well, and that’s why he’s gotten off to such a strong start.

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When his slider is effective, he can induce double plays, he can induce weak contact, and he can strike batters out. When Kontos is on, he looks like he could be an effective, quality relief pitcher for the Giants. When he doesn’t have command of that slider, either because of a mechanical issue or because of fatigue, then he mightily struggles.

In order to keep up this type of production, Kontos will have to stay sharp with his mechanics and maintain command of his slider. That’s obviously easier said than done, but mechanics are arguably even more important for a relief pitcher than a starter because relievers have less time and less opportunities to be effective. They need to have pinpoint control and command from the first pitch of their outing to their last pitch.

Kontos has the benefit of having quality, veteran relievers around him, such as righties Sergio Romo and Santiago Casilla and lefties Jeremy Affeldt and Javier Lopez, who can help him maximize his potential and be consistent with command.

If Kontos can continue to be effective with his slider and continue to utilize his other pitches effectively, he can have a strong season in 2015. He might not finish the season with a below-2.00 ERA, but he will be a valuable weapon out of the bullpen.

Next: Who's the Giants' Most Valuable Utility Player?