clujer420 Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 Why is everyone so hung up on how fast a pitcher throws? That's gotta be the most overrated thing in baseball. John Rocker throws almost 100, and where is he? MB is lucky to hit 91/92, and he's one of the brightest lefties in the game. Look at Jamie Moyer, Greg Maddux, etc. It's not about speed of the pitch -- it's about location and poise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 Why is everyone so hung up on how fast a pitcher throws? That's gotta be the most overrated thing in baseball. John Rocker throws almost 100, and where is he? MB is lucky to hit 91/92, and he's one of the brightest lefties in the game. Look at Jamie Moyer, Greg Maddux, etc. It's not about speed of the pitch -- it's about location and poise. You have a point, but the fascination for speed can be summed up easily. First off, not every pitcher actually throws 94-95 like is always reported. Most Major League pitchers throw in the 90-92 range. But the bottom line is, the harder a guy throws, the more margin for error he has. There aren't many Moyer's or Maddux' around that throw with the precision they do, so teams look for guys that can throw harder to so that they have more margin for error. A guy still has to learn to pitch, however and will never be able to rely on speed his whole career, but it is helpful in the learning process. That, and a guy who throws 95-98 with command, ends up being absolutely dominant. Those guys are more fun for most fans to watch than boring command guys who carve up teams with groundballs. I personally, can see the beauty in both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clujer420 Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 I personally, can see the beauty in both. As can I, but I get irked when I hear someone immediately ask "how fast does he throw?". Kind of like when someone asks "how many HR's does he have?" about a hitter. But, you're right about speed giving a pitcher more margin for error and allowing them to buy time while learning how to pitch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loaiza21 Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 I was there. Got lots of autographs...Rich Harden wouldn't give me his for some reason..Ass. Anyway I was impressed with Cotts. The radar gun showed his fast ball around 84 consistently, 87 max. Then his change was 68! He changes speeds every pitch, which explains most of the foul balls, then with 2 strikes he threw the fastball, which probably looks like 95 MPH after all of the offspeed. I think he will be great for us. He must be in the rotation out of ST 2004. Nivar got a 2B, but it barely got by 3rd, that basically explains the runs. 1 IP 2 K's. It was awesome. I saw a stud yesterday. Harden didn't impress me at all, infact it's pathetic that he started. Beane probably overhyped him because he realizes he traded his best future SP to us . As far as Kelton, he wasn't spectacular, and Pie couldn't touch the ball when he came up. I really liked the program they gave out when we came in the gates, I got about 9 autos on the cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MurcieOne Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 Was at the futures game as well, and I had a good time..... later on went to Wrigley and saw the last seven innings of a cubs pummeling. Met Tommy Lasorda at Wrigley as well as Bill Murray.....also saw the "gas man" from dumb and dumber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishmookie Posted July 15, 2003 Share Posted July 15, 2003 i was there cotts started shaky but struck out alot of guys also smitherson was good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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