From the start of the year through May 19th, Chapman threw his slider 15% of the time.
Since he moved to the closers role, Chapman has thrown his slider 3% of the time.
So, um, what the heck happened?
From the start of the year through May 19th, Chapman threw his slider 15% of the time.
Since he moved to the closers role, Chapman has thrown his slider 3% of the time.
So, um, what the heck happened?
His "girlfriend" stole it?
This is what I feared would happen when the Reds moved Chapman to the closer role. He's gone from being a pitcher back to just a thrower now. I know I've beaten this horse in the ground, but it's a shame how the Reds are wasting his talents in the bullpen. That's what pops into my mind every time I see him enter the game. Put him in the rotation already.
Have fastball, will travel. Why actually pitch when you can light up the radar gun and strikeout half the batters you face. Though it will be interesting to see how he fares as guys get a few more looks at him. The fastball is pretty straight; if major league hitters know its coming and can time it, they'll hit it.
Games are won on run differential -- scoring more than your opponent. Runs are runs, scored or prevented they all count the same. Worry about scoring more and allowing fewer, not which positions contribute to which side of the equation or how "consistent" you are at your current level of performance.
Hopefully we aren't looking at a situation where the slider makes his arm uncomfortable and he ends up on the DL with "shoulder inflammation" in a couple of weeks like he did last May.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseb...n-injury_N.htm
Doug do you have the numbers for last year. He started out with 14 scoreless outings before his epic wildness. How was his slider used during those periods?
Maybe like me, his slider went down the toilet. But I digress.
Actually, I've wondered the same thing. Seems to be fastball, fastball, fastball. No wonder they're starting to hit him.
Maybe now that the move back to the rotation has been officially ruled out, he's changed his style? Early in the year, he was pitching at a lower speed and mixing in a decent amount of sliders, and I would imagine that had something to do with him believing he would be starting in a few weeks.
He may think his best chance as a closer is to bomb fastballs, but I think we've seen hitters begin to catch onto that strategy the past few games. Hopefully he recognizes the need and is able to regain control of the slider soon.
I'm sure it's been talked about. I think it's a mistake, but hey I'm not a coach. If you only have #1 you are going to get burned. I did notice the rip down the line was a 89 MPH slider I guess. should have stuck with ol #1
He's had so much success with blowing people away, I hope I never see it again lol.
Hey Sparky! Indian Hill English teachers taught me everything I know!
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please. |