Chart Observations: TOR @ OAK

• Scott Richmond was very impressive, firing a complete game despite losing 5-2. He had a rough 2nd inning (allowing all 5 runs) but baffled the A's through the rest of the game with his ability to use all his offerings. He attacks hitters with a low 90's fastball, a mid 80's slider, a curveball at 75-80 and a changeup at 83-86. He has plus command of all his pitches, allowing him to be greater then the sum of his parts (as only the change and slider could be considered above average pitches). Richmond is young enough to add some more velocity and begin to pitch consistenly at 93-94. If that happens, he can be a solid # 2 starter. However, the more likely ceiling is that of a solid # 3 starter or a really good # 4 starter for a contender.
• Josh Outman was one of the hyped prospects the A's received last season. He impressed me with his stuff, flashing a low 90's fastball (that touched 95), a low 80's slider (used primarily against lefties), a changeup at 81-84 and a high 70's curveball. His command was off, forcing him to be taken out after 4 and 1/3. His changeup is a plus pitch with his ability to command it. He is a middle of the rotation starter down the road with the chance to be a special # 2. My only concern is that his mechanics are still a little messy and I am not too fond of his arm action. Injury risk is a worry for me.
• Got to watch many of the A's bullpen arms again. Michael Wuertz was the 1st one in and attacked with a slider at 84-86, a low 90's fastball and a curveball at 78-80. The curveball appears to be something new and it looked very good against the Blue Jays. This guy has a chance to be a strong middle relief option with this pitch, as this can mess up left handers timing. May have judged him too quickly. Russ Springer keeps getting the mileage out of his fastball at 89-91 and his mid 80's cutter. You have to wonder how much longer he will have the command necessary to get by with this stuff. Andrew Bailey looked much sharper this outing with his fastball sitting at 92-94, his cutter at 89-92 and a high 70's curveball. Bailey is a set-up man, as when he is commanding his cutter, he is near impossible to square up. Another reliever I judged a little too harshly.