Wow I actually remember throwing against the Columbia Angels and threw a 3 hitter or something... too bad I was ineligible for the JO team. Sorry for off topic comment.
thats my point pg they won that tournament and arnt number 1 varsity starters...Makes ya wonder about all that supposed talent.
PG, on the personal side..
My LHP son has been invited to the J.O. tournament in Peoria and he, too, is looking to break into varsity. He's a sophomore.
He was told by coach he'd be varsity then last week there was a transfer from another state.. an older RHP with an 88 MPH fastball. My son found out today and is very disappointed but determined.
All of this points to why "the average fastball" peaks my curiosity. As good as I think my son is, there's always another out there and you need to know. Pitching is the show. Velocity is the ticket. Well, in this case my son has decent velocity but got trumped by an older player. That's baseball.
Anyway, my kid was invited but couldn't attend your National Underclass and Academic Showcase, but we're looking forward to the West Coast Top Prospect Showcase. You guys run a first-class operation. Keep it up.
My LHP son has been invited to the J.O. tournament in Peoria and he, too, is looking to break into varsity. He's a sophomore.
He was told by coach he'd be varsity then last week there was a transfer from another state.. an older RHP with an 88 MPH fastball. My son found out today and is very disappointed but determined.
All of this points to why "the average fastball" peaks my curiosity. As good as I think my son is, there's always another out there and you need to know. Pitching is the show. Velocity is the ticket. Well, in this case my son has decent velocity but got trumped by an older player. That's baseball.
Anyway, my kid was invited but couldn't attend your National Underclass and Academic Showcase, but we're looking forward to the West Coast Top Prospect Showcase. You guys run a first-class operation. Keep it up.
One thing we need to get straight is what is meant by "cruising speed" as opposed to peak MPH.
It appears that some of you are using "cruising" to mean where a guy peaks on a typical day as opposed to his best day.
Others are using "cruising" to mean where a pitcher throws most of his fastballs. That is, he has the capability to throw harder, but he chooses to stay free & easy most of the time in order to have a little extra "pop" to surprise a batter with when needed.
PG, you mention some names and I will point to Melville as an excellent example. I have seen him out there throwing 87-88 without the least bit of strain. Then maybe he gets a guy in scoring position with less than two outs and needs a K, so suddenly he's pumping 92-93. This is just a talented guy who's showing he's also smart. If he'd been throwing 92-93 all day, the batters might have him timed. But 87-88 is hot enough to put most batters on the defensive, while still leaving him room to "reach back for something extra".
I would argue that for a pitcher who has the physical capabilities and the smarts to do this, 92-93 is the relevant number to discuss, not 87-88.
That's not to say he may not have a day where he doesn't have his best stuff and might not peak at 87-88. But if you're evaluating what a pitcher has to go to, it makes no more sense to judge him by his "cruising" velocity than it does to evaluate him by the MPH on his curve or change-up. Peak velocity is the relevant number for evaluation purposes.
It appears that some of you are using "cruising" to mean where a guy peaks on a typical day as opposed to his best day.
Others are using "cruising" to mean where a pitcher throws most of his fastballs. That is, he has the capability to throw harder, but he chooses to stay free & easy most of the time in order to have a little extra "pop" to surprise a batter with when needed.
PG, you mention some names and I will point to Melville as an excellent example. I have seen him out there throwing 87-88 without the least bit of strain. Then maybe he gets a guy in scoring position with less than two outs and needs a K, so suddenly he's pumping 92-93. This is just a talented guy who's showing he's also smart. If he'd been throwing 92-93 all day, the batters might have him timed. But 87-88 is hot enough to put most batters on the defensive, while still leaving him room to "reach back for something extra".
I would argue that for a pitcher who has the physical capabilities and the smarts to do this, 92-93 is the relevant number to discuss, not 87-88.
That's not to say he may not have a day where he doesn't have his best stuff and might not peak at 87-88. But if you're evaluating what a pitcher has to go to, it makes no more sense to judge him by his "cruising" velocity than it does to evaluate him by the MPH on his curve or change-up. Peak velocity is the relevant number for evaluation purposes.
quote:He was told by coach he'd be varsity then last week there was a transfer from another state.. an older RHP with an 88 MPH fastball. My son found out today and is very disappointed but determined.
Hey, we heard a similar story...a fastballer from Florida transferring to our humble team. My son reported yesterday with a chuckle that the star kid hits 75... maybe.
See him before you panic.
micdsguy,
Thanks for the advise. Naw, no panic. There's no crying in baseball. He'll just work his rear off until he's called up. Tell your kid good luck on his season.
Thanks for the advise. Naw, no panic. There's no crying in baseball. He'll just work his rear off until he's called up. Tell your kid good luck on his season.
