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For the last 7 years or so, our starting pitchers had the luxury of knowing they could give up a few runs and most of the time, still win the game. This year, they'll go into games knowing that if they give up more than 3 runs or so, they stand a good chance of losing.
All too often we've seen most of our pitchers give up most of their runs in the 1st 2 innings or so, then they usually settled down. Do you think that maybe they go into the game knowing they can't afford to give up too many runs that they'll have better concentration in the 1st inning?
I don't really know, but maybe not having a team that's almost a guarantee to score 5 runs or more a game, could be good for our starting pitching.
Any thoughts?
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That could help explain why Rincon was more effective in Pittsburgh than in Cleveland.
Pittsburgh scored less runs, their games were probably lower scoring affairs. Perhaps both teams play small ball so a pitchers ERA is less likely to be inflated by a few bad outings.
However, "IT'S PAYBACK TIME" from the other teams point of view. We have been one of the few offensive elite in the A.L. since 1995.
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Alex
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The theory has some merit. It is kind of like how Colon looks like a stud when he pitches against Cy Young candidates.
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You could be right. This year's team will probably not be able to erase an early 4 or 5 run deficit. The starters are going to have to come out strong or it will be to the bullpen in a hurry.
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Swanny:
You could be right. This year's team will probably not be able to erase an early 4 or 5 run deficit. The starters are going to have to come out strong or it will be to the bullpen in a hurry.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
This, plus Mike Brown's coaching could be all it takes to push Colon to the level he should be at. Same thing with CC, although, I think he figured it out in September and October (I hope).
Baez should know how to get through the early innings without the bad innings because of his relief experience. It's the later innings you have to worry about with him. As far as Drese goes, this guy is a battler, I really like him a lot. I don't think he'll be the type of pitcher that lets up ever.
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The only thing that will push Colon to the level he should be at is developing a good offspeed pitch of some kind. Let's hope Brown can teach him one.
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Personally, I always thought that the most effective offspeed pitch when partnered with someone that has an overbearing fastball is a change-up, straight or otherwise. Is there any reason why the changeup is considered so hard to throw since it doesn't take any special break or arm action right?
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I don't know enough about pitching, but I think the idea is it's supposed to look like a fastball when it leaves the hand.
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Alex
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yeah, apparently Pedro has this mastered.
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Alex
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http://www.ohio.com/sports/indians/2...ocs/009630.htm
You might have seen the above article. I agree Colon needs effective off speed pitches but this game demonstrated that he has great fastball variety.
A great change wouldn't hurt but I'm inclined to think that Colon has the tools right now. It's just a question of producing regularly and trying to stop the littler things getting to him (ie like Game 4 - but he should have been hooked then)
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