Comments on: Blogservations: Marlins sweep Mets, but gain no ground

By: DavidC

DavidC — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:46:06 +0000

Thank you Michael.

And as for the frequency of the change-up, you might want to start with his second start against Houston. Ricky himself said that he threw a lot more change-ups than he normally does, and he felt that that was the major difference between the two starts. From watching the games, it seems like he has started incorporating it more since that start.

By: michaeljong

michaeljong — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:49:01 +0000

DavidC,

Welcome to the Maniac’s comments section! With regards to Ricky’s change, maybe you’re right. According to Pitch f/x, Ricky’s change is dropping a good six inches less than his fastball, with more break into the righties. Since he can’t use his slider versus the lefties, he’s been relying a lot on his change and fastball against them. I’ll check out some Pitch f/x data from his last two games and see if your contention on an increased number of changeups is right.

By: DavidC

DavidC — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:43:38 +0000

It seemed like Ricky was using his change-up more often than he usually does, and I don’t see that he used his big breaking ball at all. His change-up sinks very well, which probably explains all the ground balls. He’s been using it a lot lately; maybe he’s trying to develop it to use on a regular basis, and is toying with it in different scenarios to see how best to use it. That’s my take, anyway.

By: michaeljong

michaeljong — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:32:15 +0000

JoeA,

I lost a lot of hair in that decision. A lot. I was pulling quite literally at it. I want go yell at Fredi in person, but I can’t.

Patience my friend, a post on this is coming soon. Hold your anger off until then.

By: JoeA

JoeA — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:25:19 +0000

I think there are a lot of players in MLB like Bonifacio or Dioner Navarro that should just quit switch hitting and bat from their stronger side.

Actually those two guys should probably quit altogether.