Carsten Charles

[the teacher]

Took in the game at Edison Field tonight. In true SoCal fashion, missed the first inning, and thought I might not see the tribe eke out a single hit against Appier.

I don't think that CC's weight affects his pitching... yet. (athough I haven't seen a butt that big since Cecil Fielder). He's young and resilient enough that it just doesn't matter. He doesn't seem to fatigue.

He appears to be pitching on pure talent. Never shakes off a pitch, doesn't seem to really care what he throws, just throws. This is Einar Diaz calling the game, not Sandy Alomar. CC is so talented that he can get by with no tactics at all.

I don't see the guy getting any better. To break through to the next level takes drive and determination. Michael Jordan, Curt Schilling.. those are talented guys but also DRIVEN to succeed. And as CC gets older, his lack of conditioning will start to take its toll.

I hope i'm wrong and I hope some of the young pitchers in the organization push him. Someone needs light a fire under the guy.

And what's with that habit of catching a ball in his bare hand, even fairly long throws from other infielders?

[Dr. Robert]

They were talking during last night's game about Burba being the pitching coach next year.

[Swanny]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=2 face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><table border="0" width="90%" bgcolor="#333333" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0"><tr><td width="100%"><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" bgcolor="#FF9900"><tr><td width="100%" bgcolor="#DDDDDD"><font size=2 face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by the teacher:
Bard, what a great story! Particularly with his older brother at the game.

Interesting how good pitching creates heroes ... If we had been down 9-2, that home run is no more than a footnote.

Think Victor Martinez can play third?

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ August 24, 2002 12:53 AM: Message edited by: the teacher ]</font></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>
I think this was the highlight of the year. How many guys have ever hit a game ending homer in their first major league game? Awesome!

[The Genius]

C.C. has said that Burba had the greatest influence on him last year. Maybe that is why Shapiro brought the old man back? If so, it appears to be working.

[the teacher]

Like I keep saying: That CC just keeps getting better!

[The Genius]

Either a) he read your post or b) he's heard about all those young lefties who will be after his job next year. We'll give you the credit.
How bout that Bard? All three rbi in the game, and a walk-off in his MLB debut! Plus he must have called a dammn good game.

[the teacher]

Bard, what a great story! Particularly with his older brother at the game.

Interesting how good pitching creates heroes ... If we had been down 9-2, that home run is no more than a footnote.

Think Victor Martinez can play third?

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ August 24, 2002 12:53 AM: Message edited by: the teacher ]</font>

[Dr. Robert]

C.C. was a little wild, walking 5 in 6 innings, but I'll take it.

By 2005, he should be the complete package, especially with coach Burba in his head.

[the teacher]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=2 face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><table border="0" width="90%" bgcolor="#333333" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0"><tr><td width="100%"><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" bgcolor="#FF9900"><tr><td width="100%" bgcolor="#DDDDDD"><font size=2 face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">By 2005, he should be the complete package, especially with coach Burba in his head. </font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't know what you mean ... has Burba taken him on as a personal project or something?

[the teacher]

Here's an interesting stat: CC leads the American League in # innings pitched with no hit batters: 160. Nobody in the AL is even close.

In the NL,Kirk Reuter of SF has 163 IP with no HBP. Trachsel has 132, and Finley has 105.

For a guy with not great control, CC doesn't appear to miss inside much.

The Big Unit, by way of comparison, has hit 10 in 203 IP.

CC needs to get an attitude.