Monday, June 19, 2006
A WEEKEND OF WATCHING PITCHERS
It appeared that A.J. Burnett was holding back on his fastball on Saturday. He was operating in the low 90’s with good command for him. Burnett also had some nice off speed pitches allowing him to dominate the Sea Dogs in Manchester. He struck out nine over six innings. Three balls were hit hard: the homer by Jeremy West, which hit off the scoreboard in centerfield!, a double and a liner caught in the gap. Burnett looks ready and performed as such. The Jays are close to getting their perfect storm.
***
Jon Lester’s performance on Friday night was good, but we should not get too excited. It was against a lineup of only five legit MLB hitters, and again, he had control issues walking three. Lester looks good and is the best option right now. We just need to temper or curb our enthusiasm.
One other note on Lester is that he maybe tipping his pitches. Although I’m not a scout, it seemed one could pick up when Lester would throw his curveball for a strike. He keeps his hands high and brings his right or front leg to his hands for the fastball. For a strike curveball on Friday, he dropped his hands and the leg kick was not as high. When the curveball was not a strike, Lester’s mechanics looked very similar to his fastball. It may just be Friday’s start/small sample size/triple S or that I’m not scout, but it still warrants a closer look Lester’s next time out. I’m going to have the DVR ready.
It appeared that A.J. Burnett was holding back on his fastball on Saturday. He was operating in the low 90’s with good command for him. Burnett also had some nice off speed pitches allowing him to dominate the Sea Dogs in Manchester. He struck out nine over six innings. Three balls were hit hard: the homer by Jeremy West, which hit off the scoreboard in centerfield!, a double and a liner caught in the gap. Burnett looks ready and performed as such. The Jays are close to getting their perfect storm.
***
Jon Lester’s performance on Friday night was good, but we should not get too excited. It was against a lineup of only five legit MLB hitters, and again, he had control issues walking three. Lester looks good and is the best option right now. We just need to temper or curb our enthusiasm.
One other note on Lester is that he maybe tipping his pitches. Although I’m not a scout, it seemed one could pick up when Lester would throw his curveball for a strike. He keeps his hands high and brings his right or front leg to his hands for the fastball. For a strike curveball on Friday, he dropped his hands and the leg kick was not as high. When the curveball was not a strike, Lester’s mechanics looked very similar to his fastball. It may just be Friday’s start/small sample size/triple S or that I’m not scout, but it still warrants a closer look Lester’s next time out. I’m going to have the DVR ready.
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