rynoattack posted:There are so many variables. Is the stadium gun accurate? Do these guns need periodic calibration to make sure they are accurate?
As someone mentioned earlier, most guys throw mid to high 80's. Son's team has a Friday guy that was hitting 95-96 in the 7th inning, but they have an All American Closer who lives 80-82. When the closer is on, he is virtually unhittable. When his control is off, he gets hammered.
From what I've seen, the 95-96 guy on son's team can use his velo to get an important K when he's in trouble. The other starters don't have that little extra giddy up to help them get out of jams. Say what you want, but a little extra velo never hurt anybody.
Another thing, these guys may be capable of throwing harder, but that is 100% not the goal. It is to get people out, and if they can have more control by throwing a little slower, and that helps them get people out, they will throw a little slower.
Seeing guys on TV throwing 85 and thinking that is the magic number, is just not realistic. If Ryan hadn't been touching 90, and sitting mostly 85 - 88, he wouldn't be where he is now.
I should clarify. Not scouts, coaches. I know they want both, but back to the question in this thread...would they rather fix barely missing the zone but throwing hard, or slow it down (which puts you back in the pack) and hitting all your spots?