Yeah, something's funky there, and it's not because he's starting instead of coming out of the pen. His average fastball is coming in at 91.2 mph so far. Last year, he averaged over 95 mph per start. He's had one start this year in spring training where he was able to dial it up to 96-97, so I don't think his injury last year is preventing him from throwing hard. But since that start, he's been sitting 91-93. That's not bad... but it's not Joba.
Yep. Everyone has been arguing that his velocity is down because he is not in the pen, but like you said, his fastballs in his STARTS last year averaged over 95 (courtesy of Nomaas.org).
Every time I get fed up and go on a rant this team shows me up. Individuals too. Like Matsui. I have to say though, I like being wrong.
Porcellno. 7-1 Yankees. Not for nothing, but when Matsui is playing well, he is such a presence in this lineup.
Huh... Gameday has Joba up around 95-96 this inning. Stuff like that makes me think it is mechanical, like Eiland and Joba were saying this spring. I sure hope so.
You know what's going to be really awesome? When this: Jeter SS Damon LF Teixeira 1B Matsui DH Cano 2B Posada C Swisher RF Cabrera CF Pena 3B ...which I like... becomes something like this: Jeter SS Damon LF Teixeira 1B A-Rod 3B Matsui DH Cano 2B Posada C Swisher RF Cabrera CF ...with Pena, Nady, and Gardner on the bench.
I highly doubt the way that Cano is swinging that he bats behind Matsui. I think the lineup might look something like this... Jeter Damon Teixiera A-Rod Cano Posada Matsui Swisher Gardner/Cabrera
If you switch Cabrera to be in front of Gardner, I agree with you completely on that lineup. Joba with a five pitch inning. And how about Robbie? Talk about smoking hot at the plate! EDIT: Actually, I think I'd bat Swisher ahead of Matsui. Not to knock Matsui because I hope he'll continue hitting like this, but I'd rather Swisher were running ahead of him on a double than the other way around.
Matsui's been crushing the ball, as well. Actually hitting better than Cano lately. Past eight games: Matsui: .406/.472/.656/1.128 Cano: .368/.375/.605/.980 But in any case, I'm not trying to say that is the exact lineup. I'm just saying look what we'll have. We'll possibly have Swisher hitting eighth? For the year (not counting tonight): .300/.417/.657/1.074 ETA: Realistically, Posada should be batting eighth if we're talking about an ideal lineup.
