Chart Observations: 8/21 BAL @ CHW

1) Jeremy Guthrie: 96 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs (3rd, 5th), Slider (1st)

• Guthrie came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties with good sink, a 2-7 slider with good bite, a change with some fade from lefties with good sink that he will throw to righties and a 12-6 curve with above average depth.

1st: FB (93-94), SL (84-86), CU (85-86)

2nd: FB (94-96), SL (83-86), CB (74)

3rd: FB (92-94), SL (85), CU (83)

4th: FB (93), SL (84-85), CU (83-86)

5th: FB (92-94), SL (83-85), CU (83-84)

6th: FB (92-93), SL (82-84), CU (82-85)

7th: FB (90-92), SL (83)

2) Gavin Floyd: 115 pitches. 12 strikes swinging. 11 Cutters (1st, 2 in 2nd, 4th, 4 in 5th, 2 in 6th, 7th), Curveball (3rd)

• Floyd is a 6-5, 230 pound righty. The 26 year old has a big frame that appears able to add a little more muscle in his lower body and maybe get up to 235. He came from an over the top, almost high 3/4 release. His fastball has good run in on righties and some sink. His curve is a 1-7 pitch with above average depth. His cutter has above average cut and flashes good sink on occasion. Solid # 3 starter who could be a # 2 as he continues to refine his command.

1st: FB (91-94), Cut (86)

2nd: FB (92-94), Cut (84-87), CB (79)

3rd: FB (90-93), Cut (84-85), CB (79-80)

4th: FB (91-93), Cut (83-85), CB (79-81)

5th: FB (90-93), Cut (85-86), CB (80)

6th: FB (90-92), Cut (83-87), CB (79)

7th: FB (90-92), Cut (85-87), CB (79)

8th: FB (90-92), Cut (84-86), CB (79-80)

3) Matt Thornton: 6 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• 4 of the pitches were intentional balls and he came from an over the top release with a straight 4-seam fastball.

8th: FB (95)

4) Tony Pena: 15 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 3 Sliders (2 in 8th, 9th)

• Pena came from an over the top release and showed a 2-7 slider with good bite, a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink.

8th: FB (95), SL (86-88)

9th: FB (94-95), SL (86), CU (87-89)

5) Danys Baez: 12 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Baez came from an over the top release with a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink.

8th: FB (93-96)

6) Chris Ray: 11 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider.

• Ray came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a split with marginal dive and a 3-8 slider with good bite.

9th: FB (93-95), SL (85-87), Split (85)

Wednesday Observations

Had 2 scores (SEA vs. CHA, HOU vs. CIN) and I think 2 scores are the easiest thing ever. But I prefer charts because I think they are more fun.

• Erik Bedard started for Seattle. This was my 1st time really watching him pitch ever and I was not a very big fan of him (still aren't for the package they gave up to get him), but he is a legit # 2 for a contender. Sat in the low 90's with his fastball, but his true weapon is his curveball. He has one that acts as a get-me-over pitch when behind in the count and a hard biter that serves as his strikeout pitch. He also throws an average change. He didn't have his best stuff today, but he made big pitches when he needed to. When he has his curves working and can locate his fastball, he is very tough to beat.
• Gavin Floyd was very similar to Bedard. He sat in the low 90's and was in the mid 90's early in the game. He also throws a cutter (what White Sox don't throw cutters?) and his main out pitch, a big curveball. I think his breakout was for real and he will continue to be a solid middle of the rotation starter.
• Shawn Kelley is a strong option for the Mariners middle relief core. He throws an average to plus fastball sitting anywhere from 92-95. His main weapon though is a hard-breaking dirty slider in the mid 80's that he can throw for strikes or bury. He probably isn't a closer, but can he a pretty solid set-up man or middle reliever.
• Adrian Beltre is amongst the top defensive third basemen in the game right now. He also went 4-4 at the plate, but none were real rocket shots that made you think he was breaking out, but he is getting closer.
• Edinson Volquez is filthy. If you think his rookie year was a fluke, think again. This past start, he seemed to say "screw it, if they hit it, they hit it." He challenged the Astros hitters and they had no chance. He worked with a plus fastball, plus changeup and average curveballs and sliders. With command, he is a legit ace. Without command, he is a 3 or 4, as he can only get you about 5 innings before having to come out due to pitch count.
• Felipe Paulino is everything I said about him before. Keep an eye on this kid. Houston may have a future All-Star. BTW, heard the Houston announcers saying when Brian Moehler comes back, they may shift him to the pen. Not a smart decision. Yes, Paulino can be valuable out of the pen with a fastball sitting in the high 90's and a sharp slider. But, he is also more valuable giving a non-contending team innings as a starter and building towards something greater. Keep an eye on this.
• Adam Rosales was back in the big leagues tonight. For those of you that are fans of hustling players who are actually having fun out there, then you will like this kid. For those of you that like 3rd base production from a 3rd basemen? Not so much.
• Laynce Nix (yes, the former top prospect from the Rangers) swung a good bat again tonight. Yes, he has his weaknesses (should probably avoid LH's and will still strike out a good amount), but he provides power, a batting eye and solid defense in the corner outfield. If this sounds like a 4th OF, it is. But, he could probably start as the main guy in a platoon for quite a few teams interested in cutting costs.
• J.R. Towles is not a big leaguer right now. Still looks over-matched at the plate and was slow in getting the ball out on the Willy Taveras stolen base. Now, we don't know he handles the staff (did only allow 2 runs on his watch) and I tend to value that higher then anything he offers offensively, but he is running out of time in establishing himself before Jason Castro arrives on the scene.

Have the day off tomorrow and will return to work Friday with a chart and a score.