Chart Observations: 9/2 CHW @ MIN

1) Mark Buehrle: 83 pitches. (FB, Cut, CU, CB, SL). 5 strikes swinging. 2 Changeups, Cutter, Curveball, Fastball.

• Mark came from a high 3/4 release and showed a change with some fade from righties and a little sink that he will throw to lefties and in 2-0 counts, a cutter with solid cut and some sink, a fastball with some run in on lefties and a little sink, a big breaking 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth and a 11-5 slider with some bite. He will throw 3-2 changeups to lefties (Kubel) with bases loaded and 2 out.

1st: FB (82), Cut (76-81), CU (75-79)

2nd: FB (85-87), Cut (79-83), CU (78-79), CB (68) - Cut

3rd: FB (86), Cut (83), CU (77-78), CB (71) - CU

4th: Cut (79-82), CU (77-78), CB (68-70), SL (79-80) - CB, CU

5th: FB (84-85), Cut (79), CU (77-78)

6th: FB (83-88), Cut (80-84), CU (78-81), CB (69) - FB

2) Brian Duensing: 88 pitches. (FB, SL, CU, CB). 11 strikes swinging. 6 Fastballs, 3 Sliders, 2 Changeups.

• Duensing came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and a touch of sink, a change with some fade from righties that he will throw 2-0 and 3-2, a 11-5 slider with solid bite and a 11-5 curve with above average depth.

1st: FB (89-92), SL (83), CU (84-85) - CU

2nd: FB (89-91), SL (81-82), CU (83-84), CB (71-72) - SL

3rd: FB (89-92), SL (82), CU (84-85), CB (71) - FB, SL

4th: FB (88-91), SL (80-81), CB (71) - FB

5th: FB (89-91), SL (79-82), CU (83-85), CB (72) - 2 FB, CU

6th: FB (89-92), SL (80-83), CU (83), CB (72-73) - 2 FB, SL

7th: FB (89-93), SL (80-81), CU (84), CB (69-74)

3) Scott Linebrink: 13 pitches. (FB, CU, SL, Split). 1 strike swinging. Splitter.

• Linebrink came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some late run in on righties and a little late sink, a split with excellent diving action that can look like a curveball at times, a 2-7 slider with solid bite and a straight change with some late sink and late fade from lefties.

7th: FB (93-96), CU (83), SL (79), Split (80-82) - Split

4) Jon Rauch: 14 pitches. (FB, SL, CB, Cut, CU). 0 strikes swinging.

• Rauch came from an over the top release and showed a 1-7 slider with good bite and downward action, a fastball with a little run in on righties, a straight change that he will throw to righties and a big breaking 12-6 curve with above average depth.

8th: FB (89-92), SL (82), CB (74), CU (86)

5) Randy Williams: 9 pitches. (FB, Cut, CU, CB). 0 strikes swinging.

• Williams came from a high 3/4 release with a fastball with some tailing action in on righties, a cutter with some cut and a 11-5 curve with average depth.

8th: FB (89-94), Cut (88), CB (74)

6) D.J. Carrasco: 5 pitches. (Cut, FB, CB, SL, CU)

• Carrasco came from a high 3/4 release and showed a cutter with some cut, a frisbee slider from sidearm that serves as his out pitch with solid bite and a 12-6 curve with average depth.

8th: Cut (88-89), F SL (70), CB (74)

7) Joe Nathan: 31 pitches. (FB, SL, CB, CU). 2 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders.

• Nathan came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a sharp 12-6 curve with average depth and a sharp 2-7 slider with above average bite.

9th: FB (92-95), SL (87-89), CB (81-83) - 2 SL

8) Matt Guerrier: 6 pitches. (FB, SL, CB, CU). 2 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders.

• Guerrier came from an over the top release and showed a 2-7 slider with slightly above average bite and a fastball with some run in on righties.

9th: FB (91), SL (85) - 2 SL

9) Bobby Jenks: 19 pitches. (FB, SL, CB, CU). 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Jenks came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a sharp 2-7 slider with average bite and a sharp 12-6 curve with average depth.

9th: FB (91-94), SL (86-88), CB (81-82) - FB

Chart Observations: 8/28 TEX @ MIN

1) Brian Duensing: 96 pitches. (FB, CU, SL, CB). 11 strikes swinging. 8 Fastballs, 2 Sliders, Changeup.

• Duensing came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties and some sink, a 11-5 curve with average depth, a 11-5 slider with good bite and a change with good fade from righties and some sink that he will throw in 3-2 counts.

1st: FB (91-93), CU (83), SL (82-84), CB (70-74) - FB

2nd: FB (89-94), CU (84), SL (81), CB (73) - 2 FB, SL

3rd: FB (89-91), CU (82-83), CB (73)

4th: FB (89-93), CU (80-85), SL (81), CB (72-74) - FB, SL, CU

5th: FB (89-92), SL (81), CB (73-74) - FB

6th: FB (88-93), SL (80-82), CB (70-73) - 2 FB

7th: FB (90-93), CU (83-84), SL (79-84), CB (73) - FB

2) Tommy Hunter: 102 pitches. (FB, Cut, CB, CU). 4 strikes swinging. 3 Curveballs, Cutter.

• Hunter came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties and a little sink, a sharp 1-7 curve with slightly above average depth that he will throw 3-2, a cutter with good cut and some sink and a change with some fade from lefties and some sink that he will throw to righties. He did not have his best command in this game as Teagarden consistently wanted inside cutters and he repeatedly missed over the middle of the plate or away off the plate.

1st: FB (90-93), Cut (89), CB (74-79)

2nd: FB (88-92), CB (78), CU (84)

3rd: FB (90-92), Cut (90), CB (76-79) - Cut

4th: FB (87-90), Cut (87-89), CB (75-79), CU (84) - CB

5th: FB (88-90), Cut (86-89), CB (75)

6th: Cut (89), CB (76-77), CU (82-83) - 2 CB

7th: FB (88-90), Cut (86-89), CB (75-76)

3) Matt Guerrier: 16 pitches. (FB, SL, CB, CU). 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Guerrier came from a high 3/4 release and showed a 2-seam fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a 2-7 slider with good bite and a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth.

8th: FB (90-92), SL (85-86), CB (79-80) - SL

4) Pedro Strop: 13 pitches. (FB, SL, Split). 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Splitter.

• Strop is a 6-0, 160 pound righty. The 24 year old righty has a small frame that looks bigger then his listed 160 at about 170 with a thick lower half. He is in the very infant stages of his pitching career, having been picked up as a position player by the Rockies. He came from a 3/4 release in a fairly clean, though violent (max effort) delivery. His fastball may have a little run in on righties, but it is pretty straight. His slider is a 2-7 pitch with a little bite and really doesn't do much at all. His split has some dive. Strop has a plus fastball and little else, including command. His control wasn't bad, but didn't locate his fastball and caught a lot of the plate. He could be a set-up guy, but he is probably a year or two away, especially pitching all his home games in Texas.

8th: FB (96-97), SL (83-86), Split (87-89) - FB, Split

5) Joe Nathan: 18 pitches. (FB, SL, CB, CU). 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider.

• Nathan came from a high 3/4 release and showed a 11-5 curve with average depth that is sharp, a 2-7 slider with good bite and a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink.

9th: FB (93-96), SL (86-89), CB (80-83) - FB, SL

8/22: MIN @ KC

1) Brian Duensing: 80 pitches. 8 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs (4th, 5th), 4 Sliders (3rd, 4th, 2 in 5th), 2 Changeups (both in 4th)

• Duensing came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with a little run in on lefties, a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth, a 11-5 slider with solid bite and a change with some late fade from righties and solid sink.

1st: FB (90-93), SL (80-84), CB (71), CU (85)

2nd: FB (91-93), SL (82)

3rd: FB (91-95), SL (84-86), CU (85)

4th: FB (91-95), SL (83-85), CB (73), CU (84-86)

5th: FB (92-95), SL (83-87), CB (73), CU (85-88)

2) Kyle Davies: 93 pitches. 13 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs (2nd, 3rd), 6 Changeups (3 in 1st, 3 in 3rd), 4 Curveballs (2 in 2nd, 4th, 6th), Cutter (6th)

• Davies is a 6-2, 220 pound righty. The 25 year old has a medium frame that is maxed out. He came from an over the top release. His fastball has a little run in on righties, but is fairly straight. His curve is a 12-6 offering with average depth and flashes above average depth. His change has some fade from lefties that he will throw to righties and it looks like a fastball out of his hand. His cutter has some cut. He falls behind constantly due to lack of fastball command and causes him to fall into predictable counts. Has the stuff of a # 3 starter, but needs to develop his fastball command greatly.

1st: FB (93-94), CB (79-81), CU (83-85)

2nd: FB (93-95), CB (78-82), CU (82-83)

3rd: FB (91-94), CU (83-84)

4th: FB (92-93), CB (76-79), CU (82)

5th: FB (91-93), CB (76), CU (81-82)

6th: FB (92-94), CB (76-79), CU (84), Cut (89-90)

3) Ron Mahay: 13 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Mahay came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties, a 11-5 slider with good bite and a change with some fade from righties and good sink that he will throw to lefties.

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

7th: FB (90-91), CU (83)

4) Bob Keppel: 24 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Keppel came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a 2-7 slider with good bite and a 12-6 curve with average depth.

6th: FB (93-96), SL (88-90), CB (82)

5) Jesse Crain: 15 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball (7th), Curveball (6th)

• Crain came from an over the top release with a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a 12-6 curve with above average depth that is his out pitch and a 2-7 slider with good bite.

6th: FB (96-98), CB (78)

7th: FB (96-97), CB (75), SL (88-90)

6) Jose Mijares: 22 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Mijares came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on lefties and some sink, a 11-5 slider with above average bite and a change with some fade from righties that he will throw to lefties.

7th: FB (93-97), SL (81-83), CU (86)

8th: FB (92-96), SL (82)

7) John Bale: 9 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Bale came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sinka nd a sweeping 9-4 curve with average depth.

7th: FB (87-90), CB (72-73)

8) Roman Colon: 31 pitches. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders (both in 7th), 2 Splitters (both in 9th)

• Colon came from an over the top release and showed a 2-7 slider with good bite, a straight 4-seam fastball and a split with good dive.

7th: FB (95-96), SL (81-84)

8th: FB (94-97), SL (80), Split (88)

9th: FB (93-98), SL (79-80), Split (88-89)

9) Jamey Wright: 8 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Cutter.

• Wright came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and solid sink and a cutter with good cut and sink.

9th: FB (93-94), Cut (86-88)

10) Matt Guerrier: 16 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Curveball (9th)

• Guerrier came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a 2-7 slider with good bite and a 12-6 curve with average depth.

8th: FB (94), SL (88), CB (81)

9th: FB (91-94), SL (86-88), CB (81)

Chart Observations: 8/17 MIN @ TEX

1) Francisco Liriano: 61 pitches. 5 strikes swinging. 3 Sliders (all in 1st), Changeup (1st), Fastball (2nd)

• Liriano came from a high 3/4 release and showed a 11-5 slider with good bite, a change with some fade from righties with a little sink and a fastball with some run in on lefties with sink. He will throw 2-0 sliders and 3-1 changeups and sliders. The slider is his out pitch and he will normally throw it gloveside and bounce it in the dirt just after the plate.

1st: FB (88-91), SL (81-86), CU (81-84)

2nd: FB (88-91), SL (83-85), CU (84)

2) Tommy Hunter: 101 pitches. 7 strikes swinging. Fastball (1st), 4 Curveballs (2nd, 4th, 2 in 5th), Cutter (2nd), Changeup (5th)

• Hunter came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with above average run in on righties with some sink, a power 12-6 curve with average depth, a cutter with some cut and sink and a change with good fade from lefties and a little sink that he will throw to righties. He throws both a get-me over and out pitch curves. He likes to go high fastball and then curveball for a strike when he is ahead in the count 0-2.

1st: FB (88-91), Cut (88-89), CB (80)

2nd: FB (88-91), Cut (86-89), CB (74-79), CU (80)

3rd: FB (86-90), Cut (89), CU (78-80)

4th: FB (86-88), CB (75-80), CU (80)

5th: FB (86-92), Cut (88-90), CB (74-77), CU (79)

6th: FB (85-88), Cut (87-89), CB (75-78), CU (78-80)

3) Bob Keppel: 47 pitches. 4 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs (2 in 3rd, 5th), Slider (3rd)

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

3rd: FB (91-93), SL (85-88)

4th: FB (92-93), SL (87), CB (77-78), CU (86)

5th: FB (92-94), SL (85-87), CB (77-80), CU (84)

6th: FB (92-93), SL (87), CB (79), CU (84)

4) Jose Mijares: 24 pitches. 4 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs (both in 7th), 2 Changeups (both in 7th)

• Mijares came from a high 3/4 release and showed a loopy 11-5 slider with good bite, a change with some fade from righties with solid sink that he will throw to lefties and a fastball with some tail in on righties.

6th: FB (89-92), SL (79-82), CU (83-84)

7th: FB (91-93), SL (79-84), CU (81-82)

5) Darren O'Day: 15 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Slider.

• O'Day came from a sidearm release and showed a 3-8 slider with little bite and a fastball with good run in on righties with some sink.

6th: FB (84-87), SL (75-78)

6) Neftali Feliz: 26 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs (all in 7th)

• Feliz came from a high 3/4 release with a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a 12-6 curve with average depth and a change with good fade from lefties with good sink. He has real easy arm action and for info on his data, go to the Futures Game scouting reports for the World roster.

6th: FB (92-96), CB (77)

7th: FB (91-97), CB (79), CU (85-90)

7) Matt Guerrier: 12 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Guerrier came from a high 3/4 release with a slider with 2-7 bite, a fastball with some run in on righties, a sharp 12-6 curve with above average depth and a change with some fade from lefties with good sink that he will throw to righties.

7th: FB (89-91), SL (85), CB (77-78), CU (80)

8) Brian Duensing: 16 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. Slider, Changeup.

• Duensing came from a high 3/4 release and showed a straight change with some late fade from righties, a 11-5 curve with above average depth, a fastball with some tail in on righties and a 11-5 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (90-92), CU (82-83), SL (80-81), CB (71-75)

9) Jason Jennings: 15 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Jennings came from an over the top release and shwoed a fastball with good run in on righties with good sink and a 1-7 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (88-90), SL (82-83)

10) C.J. Wilson: 4 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Wilson came from a high 3/4 release with a fastball with some run in on lefties and a 11-5 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (94), SL (86)

11) Frank Francisco: 10 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Francisco came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties and a sharp 12-6 curve with above average depth.

9th: FB (92-94), CB (80)

Chart Observations: 8/9 DET @ MIN

1) Jarrod Washburn: 96 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs (1st, 5th)

• Washburn came from a high 3/4 release and showed a cutter with solid cut, a fastball with some late run in on lefties, a 10-4 slider with good bite, a change with good fade from righties with good sink and a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth. He only threw the slider to the lefties.

1st: FB (85-89), Cut (86-87), SL (80)

2nd: FB (86-88), Cut (84-87), CU (79-84)

3rd: FB (84-89), SL (79)

4th: FB (85-87), CU (82), CB (69)

5th: FB (85-89), SL (77-79), CU (80), CB (69)

6th: FB (85-89), CU (80-82), CB (68-70)

2) Scott Baker: 72 pitches. 7 strikes swinging. 5 Fastballs (2 in 1st, 2 in 2nd, 4th), Slider (4th), Curveball (5th)

• Baker came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties with some sink, a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth, a 2-7 slider with okay bite and a change with some fade from lefties with some sink.

1st: FB (88-93), SL (81-86), CB (75)

2nd: FB (89-92), SL (80-86), CB (75-77), CU (85)

3rd: FB (88-91), CB (77), CU (85)

4th: FB (88-94), SL (79-85), CB (78-79), CU (82-83)

5th: FB (90), SL (80-86), CB (78-80), CU (84)

3) Bob Keppel: 41 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Keppel is a 6-5, 215 pound righty. The 27 year old has a big frame that can get up to 225. He came form an over the top release and showed a sharp 2-7 slider with okay bite, a fastball with good run in on righties with good sink and a 12-6 curve with average depth. Pitching to his potential now, which is a long reliever in the majors.

5th: FB (92-95), SL (85-88), CB (80)

6th: FB (93-94), CB (80-81)

7th: FB (93-96), SL (88-89), CB (79-80)

4) Bobby Seay: 15 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Seay came from a sidearm release and shwoed a fastball with some late run in on lefties and a 9-4 slider with solid bite.

7th: FB (91-93), SL (80-82)

5) Ryan Perry: 8 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Perry came from a high 3/4 release with a 2-7 slider with solid bite and a straight 4-seam fastball.

7th: FB (95-97), SL (85-87)

6) Matt Guerrier: 20 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Sliders.

• Guerrier came from a high 3/4 release and showed a 2-7 slider with good bite, a fastball with some run in on righties, a change with good fade from lefties with good sink and a sharp 12-6 curve with average depth. He likes to backdoor righties with his changeup.

8th: FB (91-92), SL (86-87), CB (79-80), CU (81-83)

7) Brandon Lyon: 19 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Cutter.

• Lyon came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties with some sink, a cutter with solid cut and a 1-7 curve with good depth.

8th: FB (91-95), Cut (88-91), CB (78-79)

8) Fernando Rodney: 16 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Rodney came from a 3/4 release and showed a change with above average sink and good fade from lefties and a straight 4-seam fastball.

9th: FB (96-99), CU (82-86)

7/29: CHW @ MIN

1) Jose Contreras: 112 pitches. 6 strikes swinging. 3 Splitters (1st, 2nd, 4th), Fastball (1st), Slider (1st), Changeup (2nd)

• Contreras came anywhere from 3/4 to over the top and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties, a 2-7 slider with solid bite, a splitter with excellent dive and a change with some sink that he will throw to righties.

1st: FB (89-94), SL (83-86), Split (74-79)

2nd: FB (89-93), SL (79-85), Split (74-78), CU (85)

3rd: FB (89-93), SL (81-84)

4th: FB (90-91), SL (82), Split (76-77)

5th: FB (88-92), SL (84-85), Split (75-78)

6th: FB (89-92), SL (82-85)

2) Brian Duensing: 64 pitches. 4 strikes swinging. Fastball (2nd), Curve (2nd), Slider (3rd), Changeup (5th)

• Duensing is a 5-11, 195 pound lefty. The 26 year old has a small frame that is maxed out. He came from a high 3/4 release and looked just like he did 2 years ago for Rochester. His fastball has some run in on lefties. His curve is an 11-5 with solid depth. His slider is an 11-5 with good btie. His change has some fade from righties and some sink and will throw the pitch 3-1. You could do worse as a # 5 starter.

1st: FB (90-92), SL (82), CB (73), CU (83)

2nd: FB (90-93), SL (81-83), CB (70-72), CU (82-83)

3rd: FB (89-92), SL (80-81), CB (70), CU (83)

4th: FB (90-93), SL (79-83), CU (82-86)

5th: FB (89-92), SL (78-81), CB (72), CU (83-85)

3) Jesse Crain: 22 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Crain is a 6-1, 215 pound righty. The 28 year old has a medium frame that is maxed out. He came from an over the top release. His fastball has a little run in on righties, but is fairly straight. His curve is a 12-6 with excellent depth and is sharp enough to be a strikeout pitch. His slider is a 2-7 with solid bite. Solid middle reliever and I still think has the stuff to close in spots.

6th: FB (95-97), SL (87-89), CB (75)

7th: FB (94-95), CB (75)

4) Randy Williams: 10 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Williams is a 6-3, 190 pound lefty. The 33 year old has a big frame that can get up to 205, but likely won't and this was his first big league action since 2005. He came from a high 3/4 release and his fastball has a little tail in on righties and his cutter has solid cut. I think he can be a Matt Thornton type, but one with a above average fastball vs. a plus one and is a good 2nd lefty for a pen.

6th: FB (92-95)

7th: FB (93), Cut (84-87)

5) Tony Pena: 16 pitches. 4 strikes swinging. 4 Sliders (8th)

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

7th: SL (85-88)

8th: FB (94-96), SL (88-89), CU (89-90)

6) Matt Guerrier: 14 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Guerrier came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a 2-7 slider with slightly above average bite and a 12-6 curve with above average depth.

8th: FB (90-93), SL (85-86), CB (77-79)

7) Joe Nathan: 20 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs, Slider.

• Nathan came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and a 2-7 slider with above average bite.

9th: FB (91-94), SL (87-88)

Chart Observations: CHW @ MIN

1) John Danks: 114 pitches. 6 strikes swinging. Fastball (1st), 2 Cutters (2 in 1st), 2 Changeups (3rd, 6th), Curveball (6th)

• Danks came from a high 3/4 release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball, a change with good late fade and sink, a cutter with good cut that moves a little like a 11-4 slider and a sharp 11-4 curve with good depth. His command wasn't as good as it has been. He will throw the change to lefties.

1st: FB (88-92), Cut (86-89), CU (81-83)

2nd: FB (89-91), Cut (84-86), CU (82), CB (76)

3rd: FB (88-91), Cut (86), CU (82), CB (76-77)

4th: FB (88-90), Cut (83-88), CU (81), CB (75)

5th: FB (88-90), CU (81), CB (73-75)

6th: FB (91), Cut (83-85), CU (80-83), CB (75-76)

2) Nick Blackburn: 99 pitches. 4 strikes swinging. 2 on Fastballs (2nd, 6th) and 2 on Cutters (3rd, 4th)

• Blackburn came from a high 3/4 release and showed a 2-seam fastball wtih good run in on righties and good sink, a cutter with good cut that flashes movement similar to a 2-7 slider, a big breaking 12-6 curve with good depth and a change with some fade from lefties with sink that he will throw to righties.

1st: FB (90-92), Cut (86)

2nd: FB (89-92), Cut (84-86), CB (77)

3rd: FB (87-93), Cut (85-88), CB (78), CU (82-84)

4th: FB (89-90), Cut (83-86), CB (76), CU (82-83)

5th: FB (89-92), Cut (86), CB (77-78), CU (82-83)

6th: FB (89-92), Cut (83-85), CB (82), CU (81-82)

7th: FB (90-91), Cut (86-87), CB (80), CU (81)

3) Octavio Dotel: 9 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Slider (6th)

• Dotel came from a 3/4 release and showed a sharp 2-7 slider with good bite, a sharp 1-7 curve with good depth and a fastball with late life with cutting action or running action with sink.

6th: FB (93), SL (80-82)

7th: FB (90-92), CB (78)

4) Matt Thornton: 13 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Thornton came from an over the top release with a straight 4-seam fastball and a 11-4 slider with good bite.

7th: FB (94-97), SL (83)

5) Bobby Jenks: 15 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs.

• Jenks came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righteis with sink and a sharp 2-7 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (93-95), SL (89)

6) Matt Guerrier: 10 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Guerrier came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a big breaking 12-6 curve with above average depth and a 2-7 slider with good bite.

8th: FB (92-93), SL (85-87), CB (78)

7) Joe Nathan: 17 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Nathan came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a 12-6 curve with good depth and a sharp 2-7 slider with good bite.

9th: FB (91-94), SL (88-89), CB (81-82)

Chart Observations: MIN @ TB

• Matt Garza is a 25 year old who stands 6-4, 215. The right hander has a big frame that can add a little more muscle, but not much. He comes from a high 3/4 release. His fastball is a straight 4-seam. His curveball is a 12-6 pitch that looks a little flatter then last year. His slider is a sharp 2-7 offering. His change shows above average fade and a little sink. Garza's windup is a step to the side, a turn of his right foot, then he kicks his leg with a good hip turn (showing his left cheek to the hitter) and then he drops his hands as the leg is going down and he drives toward the plate. Garza's fastball and slider are each above average offerings with his curveball and change slightly above average. He profiles as a # 3 starter right now with the potential to be a # 2, as he has above average command.

1st: FB (92-95), SL (85-86), CB (75-76), CU (83-85)

2nd: FB (92-95), SL (83-85), CB (74-76), CU (84)

3rd: FB (92-93), SL (82-83)

4th: FB (92-94), CB (76-77), CU (82)

5th: FB (92-93), SL (83), CB (75)

6th: FB (91-95), SL (82-86), CB (74-76), CU (82)

7th: FB (91-95), SL (85), CB (73-76)

• Nick Blackburn, a 27 year old who stands 6-4 225, opposed him. The right hander has a big frame that can add a little more muscle. Blackburn takes a step to the side, turns his right foot, take a straight leg kick with little hip turn and doesn't start his hand separation until his leg is nearly halfway down (hands never move until this point), his legs then just hangs there as his release comes through and he fires. His fastball is a 2-seam with good fade and sink. His cutter shows adequate cut across the plate, though he didn't use it as much today. His curveball is a 11-6 offering with decent bite. His change showed good fade and sink. Blackburn is a good # 4 starter, one that won't walk many guys with plus command and will be an innings eater most days. His fastball, cutter, changeup and curveball are slightly above average.

1st: FB (88-91), Cut (81-85), CU (80)

2nd: FB (88-91), CB (75-76)

3rd: FB (87-89), CU (80), CB (74)

4th: FB (88-89), Cut (82-85), CU (79), CB (74-76)

5th: FB (87-91), Cut (83-85), CU (79), CB (74-78)

6th: FB (88), CB (73-76), CU (80)

• Joe Nelson is a 34 year old who stands 6-1, 205. The right hander features a medium frame that looks to be maxed out. He attacks from a 3/4 release with a big leg kick that is similar to that of Orlando Hernandez. He throws the vulcan change and it shows good fade and some sink, though his command of the pitch can be very inconsistent. His fastabll is a 2-seam that shows good fade and a little sink. He likes to throw high fastballs in 0-2 counts. Solid middle reliever, just not a set-up man as some thought based off of last season.

8th: FB (86-87), CU (76-77)

• Jason Isringhausen is back. The 36 year old who stands 6-3, 230 has a medium to big frame that is maxed out and may be carrying some bad weight. The right hander has an over the top release. His curveball is a big breaking 12-6 pitch. His cutter shows decent cut, but not like it did in his prime. His fastball is a straight 4-seam. It looks like a battle for him to throw, as he labors through his mechanics. 2 of the 3 at-bats against him went 6 and 10 pitches respectively, raising a red flag on whether he has a true out pitch. Seems like a solid middle reliever, as he didn't show any of the command issues he had been having. But, he no longer has an out pitch and will need to pitch to contact more then he used to.

8th: FB (92-94), Cut (88-89), CB (76)

9th: FB (91-92), Cut (86-90)

• J.P. Howell is a 26 year old who stands 6-0, 180. The left hander has a medium frame that can add more muscle. His fastball is a 2-seam with good sink and fade. His curveball is a big breaking 11-4 pitch that is a plus offering. His change is a straight change with a little sink that looks like a fastball out of his hand. Howell is a good setup man, but his lack of velocity doesn't really endear me to him as a closer. He has plus command.

9th: FB (86-88), CB (81-83), CU (81)

• Sean Henn is a 28 year old who stands 6-4, 225. The left hander has a big frame that is maxed out. He attacks from a high 3/4 release. He showed a straight 4-seam fastball and a sharp 10-5 slider with good bite that looks like a fastball out of his hand, but just keeps biting. A 12th or 13th guy in a bullpen and he can have his uses as a 2nd lefty in a pen. He did show a little command issues, but nothing major.

7th: FB (91-92), SL (80-82)

• Matt Guerrier is a 30 year old who stands 6-3, 195. The right hander has a medium to big frame that still has room to add more muscle, though only in the upper body. He comes from an over the top release, almost high 3/4. His slider is a 1-8 offering wtih good depth and bite. His curveball is a big breaking 12-6. His change shows great fade and a little sink. His fastball is a 2-seam with good sink. He has above average command. The more I see him, the more I think he could be a Braden Looper like transformation and become a solid back of the rotation starter. He is valuable as the Twins main set-up man, but his repetoire of 4 above average pitches seems to profile fairly well as a starter. Just saying.

7th: FB (89-90), SL (83), CB (75-77), CU (80)

8th: FB (90), SL (83-85), CB (77-78)

• Jose Mijares is a 24 year old who stands 6-0, 230. The left hander has a medium frame that is maxed out and there is some definite bad weight there. He looks like he would be a much better pitcher down to around 215. He comes from a high 3/4 release, almost over the top. His fastball is a 4-seam that has good run. His slider is a sweeping 10-4 pitch with good bite. Solid reliever who has the potential to be a set-up man. You also have to worry about him eating himself out of the game.

8th: FB (89-94), SL (80-82)

• Joe Nathan is amongst the best. The righty is 34 years old and stands 6-4, 225. He has a big frame that is maxed out. He attacks from a high 3/4 release. His fastball is a straight 4-seam. His slider is a sharp offering with good bite. His curveball is a 12-7 offering with good downward bite and is somewhat late breaking.

9th: FB (92-94), SL (87-89), CB (83)

Chart Observations: DET @ MIN

• Armando Galarraga got the start for Detroit and showed good command of his fastball-slider combination. He sat at 88-93 with his fastball and 84-88 with his slider, while throwing a changeup at 81-85. He attacks from a low 3/4 arm angle, giving his slider a little extra cut. He threw more sliders then changeups in this game and I am unsure as to whether that is typical or not. His fastball shows some good fade, but it is still just an average pitch and his slider is just an average pitch movement wise. Both these pitches play up due to his plus command and he can put the slider wherever he wants. His changeup is below average and I see him as more a # 4 starter then a solid middle of the rotation starter.
• Kevin Slowey opposed him and kept hitters off balance with a fastball sitting at 87-90, a changeup at 80-85, a cutter at 82-86, a curveball at 72-75 and a slider at 81-83. Slowey mixed his pitches very well and worked through his struggles early in the game in regards to getting the fastball down. He works fast and typically pounds the ball in the strike zone. He is likely pitching at his peak, a middle of the rotation starter that is a better fit as a # 4 then a # 3. It isn't out of the realm of possiblity to see him add some velocity due to the fact his frame is still somewhat developing.
• Ryan Perry continued to look good with his fastball, sitting at 93-98 and was usually 94-96. He threw a slider at 81-84 that is pretty fringe. He still has the same upside due to his velocity on the heater, but I doubt he makes it, as he needs a secondary pitch and command. Reminds me a lot of David Aardsma when he first came up.
• Brandon Lyon was 91-92 with his fastball and threw a 75 mile per hour curveball. He just doesn't impress me. He has good above average command, but his stuff isn't that good. He is a decent middle reliever, as the NL West helped mask a lot of his deficiencies.
• Jesse Crain struggled commanding his fastball, which sat at 93-94 and he threw one curveball at 77. Still a quality middle reliever and I actually prefer his stuff to Matt Guerrier's in regards to a set-up role, but Guerrier has much better command. Guerrier sat at 91-92 with his fastball, 84-85 with his slider and 78-79 with his curveball. Both of these guys are strong set-up men.
• Jose Mijares threw much better this outing then his previous one. He sat at 90-94 with his fastball, 81-84 with his slider and 82 with his changeup. His slider is a tick above average, his changeup is average and his fastball is above average. His command has always been his bug-a-boo and when it is on, he is a set-up type reliever who can get out right handers, but when his command isn't, he is a LOOGY who needs someone ready in case of walks.
• Joe Nathan was 92-95 with his 4-seamer, 88 with his 2-seam, 89 with his slider and 82-83 with his curveball. Great collection of pitches, as all rate at least above average and he has plus command. One of the best.

SEA @ MIN

Yes, I have seen a lot of Seattle this weekend. And yes, it really wasn't that enjoyable.

• Erik Bedard got the start for Seattle and battled himself. He only had 2 pitches (a fastball at 88-93 and a curveball at 75-80) and didn't throw his changeup or cutter at all in my eyes. He also has much better command of his curveball then his fastball, as he seemed to be able to throw the curveball over the plate at will while struggling to find the zone with his heater. He is still a # 2 starter, but this is the 2nd start I have seen where he hasn't had real good command of his stuff. While he didn't allow many runs (just 2 ER in 4 and 2/3), he needs to pitch deeper into games to allow the bullpen to not be taxed. He attacks hitters from a low 3/4 release.
• Nick Blackburn opposed him and was very sharp. Blackburn is not a pitcher who will overwhelm you, but will play a little smoke and mirrors game, as he has plus command of all his pitches: a FB at 87-93, a cutter at 83-88 and a curveball at 74-78. He appears to have a plan for every hitter and executes it extremely well. The cutter in particular is the pitch that sets him apart from other finesse righthanders, as he can locate it and it cuts hard in to lefties and hard away from righties, rarely resulting in solid contact. He attacks from a high 3/4 release and is pitching at his ceiling now, a solid # 3 starter.
• Mark Lowe pitched a rare multi-inning outing and looked pretty good with a fastball sitting at 93-95, a changeup at 85-86 and a slider at 82-83. His stuff is still closer-worthy, his question is will the command return after that arm injury? If not, still a very strong late game reliever as a setup guy.
• Miguel Batista is a guy I don't really enjoy watching pitch and I have seen him a ton. Today, he was 92-93 with his fastball and 84-85 with his cutter. He has a rubber arm and is the Mariners go-to-pitcher in their bullpen. Whether that is a good thing or bad thing is up to you.
• Jose Mijares showed the same issues that have always been his bugaboo, an inability to consistenly throw strikes. He walked Jose Lopez (not an easy thing to do) and proceeded to allow a game tying 2-run home run to Ken Griffey Jr. Mijares was 89-93 with his fastball and did not throw his slider, curveball or changeup. He is a bigger guy who comes at you from a high 3/4 release that is almost overhead. I still don't know what to think of him. Part of me says that he can be a set-up man to get out righties and lefties and another side says that he won't throw enough strikes to be a major league reliever. This is a pivotal year for him.
• Jesse Crain took the loss after not recording an out in the 8th inning. From a high 3/4 release, Crain attacked hitters with a fastball at 90-94, a slider at 89 and a curveball at 75. Still a late inning reliever and he had one of those nights every pitcher has.
• Matt Guerrier came from a high 3/4 release with his fastball sitting at 91, his slider at 84-86 and his curveball at 79.
• David Aardsma saw his velocity down in his 2nd game on back to back days, but recovered to strike out Carlos Gomez on a 95 mile per hour fastball (Gomez never had a chance on any FB thrown in the AB). For his inning, he was siting 89-95 with the fastball (and 89-92 before the Gomez AB) and threw an 84 mile per hour slider. You have to worry about the loss of velocity he showed in this appearance after throwing last night.
• Craig Breslow was a LOOGY trying to get some work and show his command was back after struggling with walks thus far this season. Breslow showed good command, but hung a changeup to Jose Lopez, who deposited it in the seats. Breslow showed a fastball at 88-91, a slider at 84-85, a curveball at 72 and a changeup at 76-77 (only threw them to Lopez). Not sure what to think of him, as he is a pitcher that shouldn't be facing too many righties, but his changeup is effective enough to get them out. He is a major league pitcher, just depends on how much you trust him to get out the big left handed bats.
• Brandon Morrow made it exciting by temporarily losing his control and throwing 10 straight pitches up and in to righthanders. His fastball was plus from high 3/4 release, sitting at 93-97 while his slider was 86-87 and his curveball was 85. He has closer stuff and can be a rock in the late innings with his fastball, but these temporary command losses can't be happening, though it was his first game back from the DL. Chance to be a real special closer.
• Rob Johnson is a 26 year old, 6-1, 215 pound catcher. He has a medium frame with a slightly open stance. His game is devoted to the defensive side of the ball, as he shows a plus arm, frames pitches very well and is very able to block balls in the dirt. That being said, we are looking at a major league backup. He double triggers, stepping when the pitcher begins his wind-up and then takes a mini step with a little toe turn as the ball is about to be released. The Twins also exposed a weakness to sliders down (and sliders period), as he struck out 3 times swinging at sliders. Johnson is a better hitter then some catchers who have nailed down back-up jobs though and I think he is in the Henry Blanco type defensive mold (and sadly, might even be a little weaker offensively). If he improves his pitch recognition and can lay off sliders, he is a very useful back up catcher.
• I saw Matt Tolbert when I worked for Rochester and he is the same player. The 27 year old, 6-0, 185 pound infielder is a switch hitter with a medium frame that is maxed out. He has an athletic crouch in his stance with a little bat wiggle. He will never hit for much power and will be overexposed as a regular at 2B, but he does have a future as an utility infielder who may be able to spell at SS every once in awhile. He features the same stance on both sides of the plate and really accelerates his hands back as a trigger, almost as if he is cheating to hit a fastball. He is a very pesky 2-strike hitter and he understands his role, as he is very patient and hustles all over the field. A useful utility player, but will likely be over exposed as a full-time regular.
• Every fly ball to left field was an adventure for Wladimir Balentien. He struggled in the Metrodome (seriously, who has a white dome for a baseball team), but showed some offensive ability. I think he has 20 home run power (though his swing does have some holes) and should be able to hit for a solid average, anywhere from .260 to .280. The issue is that if the power doesn't manifest itself, he is a very average corner outfielder and with prospects like Greg Halman looking to force the issue (10 HR's in AA, though only a .217 average in 106 AB's), Balentien has a very short window to try and impress. If he doesn't hit, he doesn't have much value, as his speed and defense are average tools.

Chart Observations: SEA @ MIN

• King Felix Hernandez started for the Mariners and did not have his best stuff. He also grimaced noticeably on the mound. Hernandez did not throw many curveballs, which I think may be his best (and most underutilized pitch) in favor of more changeup to the left handed heavy Twins lineup. Hernandez was sitting at 91-95 with his fastball, a mid 80's slider, a high 80's changeup that doesn't move much and a low 80's curveball. Felix is still amongst the best pitchers in the game irregardless of this one outing and is still a # 1 starter for a contender.
• Francisco Liriano opposed him (those 2 start and the final is 9-6?). Liriano pitched well through the 1st 3 innings, but then struggled to command his fastball to get ahead of hitters to set-up his plus changeup. Liriano was 90-92 with his fastball and threw a mid 80's slider and low 80's change. Liriano had right handers flailing at his changeup and lefties struggled to contact the slider, but with his velocity in the low 90's and struggling to command it, hitters were able to get into fastball counts.
• Sean White showed me an off-speed pitch in addition to his fastball sitting at 91-94. He threw a low 80's changeup and a low 80's curveball. Neither of these pitches were very special. White has a plus fastball, but has command issues and still appears to be looking for a 2nd pitch. Safeco can only cover up so much, but this kid appears to be a decent 10th guy in the bullpen.
• Denny Stark is currently in the middle of his obligatory 2-week call-up he gets every season. Stark actually featured a fastball at 91-95, much harder then I thought he threw. He also showed a mid 80's slider and mid 80's changeup. The fastball velocity helps explain why he keeps getting chances, but his lack of command coupled with no other real above average offering explains why he keeps riding the bus from Seattle to Tacoma.
• David Aardsma continues to showcase himself, sitting at 92-95 with his hard 4-seamer and was popping in sliders at 81-84. Aardsma has always had the stuff to close. A strong reliever when his command is right, has he finally figured it out?
• Miguel Batista attacked hitters with a fastball at 92-94, a cutter at 86-88 and a changeup at 79. His velocity is back and his cutter has enough movement for hitters to not square it up. I still think he is a little over exposed as a set-up man, but a middle reliever that can give you 2 or 3 innings at a time to bridge a gap are valuable (just not as valuable as what they are currently paying him).
• Luis Ayala was one of the pitchers that I have tabbed to regress this season. He pitched with a fastball at 89-91 and a slider and changeup that sat in the low to mid 80's. Ayala's slider just doesn't seem to have the same bite as it used to and he has begun to mix in more changeups (a fairly straight pitch and is a little below average) and his moving 2-seam fastball. I just don't see how he can last the full season in the pen.
• Matt Guerrier went after guys with a fastball at 90-91, a slider at 82-85, a curveball at 77-78 and a changeup at 83. His fastball is just average, but his slider and curveball are each above average pitches while his changeup drops just enough to make a hitter swing over the top of it. His plus command also allows his pitches to play up. Still think he is more of a middle reliever then an 8th inning guy.
• Joe Nathan didn't show too much of his formerly over-powering slider. He still features a plus fastball (93-95), but the slider was everywhere radar gun wise (82-87) and he also threw a slightly above average curveball (81-83). He is still a quality closer and is amongst the best in baseball and I think his slider will bounce back soon enough.

MIN @ DET

• Francisco Liriano had command and control of his 3 pitch mix (a low to mid 90's fastball, mid 80's slider, mid 80's change) and used it to keep Detroit off balance all night. He is starting to round into his old form. One more step up in his command of his off-speed stuff and he will be back to being the Johan Santana replacement the Twins thought they had.
• Edwin Jackson also looked very good. Jackson attacked hitters with a mid 90's fastball, a low 80's curveball, a high 80's slider and a mid 80's change. Jackson generates easy velocity in a clean motion. He attacks from a high 3/4 release. Jackson was I guy who I figured was primed for a breakout moving to a pitchers park in Comerica and he has not disappointed. He is a legitimate # 2 right now and I think this is his ceiling.
• Matt Guerrier attacked hitters with an average low 90's fastball, an above average mid 80's slider and an above average low 80's curve. Solid middle and set-up reliever and he also is likely pitching at his ceiling right now.
• Brandon Lyon didn't look good with his low 90's sinker and low 70's curveball. He only threw those 2 pitches (and 2 total), but hit a batter and allowed a squeeze bunt attempt.
• Clay Rapada is your typical sidearming LOOGY candidate. He features a mid 80's fastball and low 70's sweeping slider. There isn't a whole lot of difference between him and Javier Lopez except for the track record. Who knows if he can be a LOOGY? All it takes is one year of throwing well to lefties to establish a reputation. He has the talent to be one if his command can improve a little.
• Ryan Perry features a hard, high 90's fastball and a low 80's slider. The fastball is plus and his slider is a big breaker that is just average. He has some struggles with his command in the zone and his control to get the ball there. I personally think he was rushed, but Detroit is trying to win now and he is definitely one of their better relievers. If he develops his command, he is a closer. If not, he may be a Jorge Julio/Greg Aquino type reliever.
• Denard Span had a very good night at the plate, going 4-5. He has a very quiet set-up and his bat head stays in the zone for a long time. He has definitely turned a corner and can be a starting CF and lead-off hitter in this league for a long time.

Got an extra chart followed by an extra score of Houston and Washington at 12:30. Features Roy Oswalt and Scott Olsen.