Chart Observations: 8/25 ARI @ SF

This will be the new set-up for charts. Now that my computer has been repaired, I bring it to work, as it makes it easier to access MLB.TV and this also saves me a ton of time moving info over. This means that only the total number of strike swingings will be next to the total pitches and to see specifics, just look inning by inning.

1) Dan Haren: 105 pitches. (FB, Cut, CB, SPLT). 6 strikes swinging. Fastball, 3 Splitters, Cutter, Curveball

• Haren came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink that flashed above average run, a cutter with some cut, a split with some dive and a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth.

1st: FB (90-92), Cut (85-88), CB (77-80), Split (85-86)

2nd: FB (89-92), Cut (86), CB (78), Split (85-87)

3rd: FB (90-92), Cut (85-89), CB (76-79), Split (85)

4th: FB (90-93), Cut (84-87), CB (77-80), Split (87) - FB, Split

5th: FB (89-90), Cut (83-89), CB (80), Split (85) - Cut, Split

6th: FB (90-92), Cut (88), CB (77-79), Split (85-86) - CB, Split

7th: FB (89-90), Cut (86-88), CB (76-78), Split (84)

2) Matt Cain: 102 pitches. (FB, CB, CU, SL). 5 strikes swinging. 4 Fastballs, 1 Changeup.

• Cain came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and some sink, a changeup with above average fade from lefties with good sink, a 2-7 slider with solid bite and a sharp 12-6 curve with above average depth. He will also mix in a straight 4-seam on occasion when ahead in the count.

1st: FB (91-94), CU (86-88), SL (86) - CU

2nd: FB (92-95), CU (87), SL (89), CB (78-80)

3rd: FB (91-95), CU (87), SL (85-88), CB (77-78)

4th: FB (92-94), CU (85-86), SL (87-89) - 2 FB

5th: FB (92-93), CU (86-87), SL (86), CB (77-79) - FB

6th: FB (90-92), CU (82-84), CB (77)

7th: FB (92-95), SL (86-87), CB (76) - FB

3) Jon Rauch: 19 pitches. (FB, SL, CB, CU, Cut). 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Rauch came from an over the top release and showed a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth that he will throw 3-2, a 1-7 slider with good bite, a fastball with some run in on righties and a little sink and a cutter with some cut and a little sink.

8th: FB (89-92), SL (84-86), CB (73-75), Cut (86-87) - SL

4) Bobby Howry: 7 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 0 strikes swinging.

• Howry came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink.

8th: FB (89-92)

5) Jeremy Affeldt: 15 pitches. (FB, CB, CU). 2 strikes swinging.

• Affeldt came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with a little cut action and a 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth.

8th: FB (93-95), CB (78-79) - 2 FB

6) Brian Wilson: 29 pitches. (FB, Cut, SL, CU, CB). 1 strike swinging. Cutter.

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

9th: FB (92-98), Cut (86-90) - Cut

7) Sergio Romo: 6 pitches. (FB, SL, CU). 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Romo came from a 3/4 release and showed a 3-8 slider with above average bite,

9th: SL (77-80) - SL

• Brandon Allen is a 6-2, 235 pound first basemen. The 23 year old is a lefty swinger, righty thrower who has a medium frame that appears to be maxed out. His stance is very similar to that of Alex Avila and is leaned back a little on his back leg and is slightly open. His hands are held somewhat close to his body, almost even with his back shoulder. He has a little bit of a bat tap. His trigger is a shift back with his body and a stride. There may be a hitch in his swing, as when he triggers, he sometimes drops too low which messes up his bat plane and can cause a lot of weak pop-ups and grounders. 4.5 down the line on a grounder. Allen's swing path is good and he has a pretty clean swing outside of the hitch. Should be a solid gap-to-gap hitter who can provide about 15-20 home runs a season and slightly below average defense from the first base position and a .280 or so batting average.

Chart Observations: 8/23 SF @ COL

1) Tim Lincecum: 121 pitches. 13 strikes swinging. 6 Fastballs (1st, 3 in 2nd, 4th, 6th), 6 Changeups (2 in 1st, 2 in 3rd, 4th, 6th), Curveball (6th)

• Lincecum came from an over the top release with a fastball with good run in on righties and some sink, a sharp 12-6 curve with above average depth, a change with good fade from lefties with good sink that flashes plus, plus sink (and it makes it unhittable) and a 2-7 slider with good bite. His change is thrown with a split grip. He began working out of the stretch primarily in the 6th (that is when I noticed) and he apparently does this when he is uncomfortable (he was throwing a no hitter at the time...)

1st: FB (93-95), CU (83-84), CB (74-78)

2nd: FB (90-96), CU (82-86), CB (74-76)

3rd: FB (90-94), CU (82-85), CB (75-79), SL (82)

4th: FB (93-94), CU (83-84), CB (80), SL (83)

5th: FB (91-92), CU (83), CB (76), SL (83)

6th: FB (88-94), CU (84-86), CB (75-77), SL (81-82)

7th: FB (88-93), CU (81-84), CB (75-78)

2) Ubaldo Jimenez: 119 pitches. 13 strikes swinging. 3 Fastballs (2 in 1st, 7th), 5 Sliders (2 in 2nd, 2 in 4th, 6th), 5 Curveballs (1st, 2 in 3rd, 4th, 5th)

• Jimenez came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties and a little sink, a change thrown with a split grip that has good fade from lefties and good sink, a 2-7 slider with solid bite and a 12-6 curve with slightly above average depth.

1st: FB (95-99), SL (86-89), CU (85-88), CB (79)

2nd: FB (94-96), SL (87-89), CU (85-86), CB (79)

3rd: FB (91-97), CU (86-87), CB (77-81)

4th: FB (95-98), SL (86-88), CB (77-80)

5th: FB (93-97), SL (87), CB (81)

6th: FB (97-99), SL (86-87), CU (87-88)

7th: FB (94-98), SL (86-88), CU (88-89)

8th: FB (95-97), SL (88-89), CU (85), CB (78-80)

3) Jeremy Affeldt: 22 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs.

• Affeldt came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some cut action and a sharp 11-5 curve with average depth.

8th: FB (95-97), CB (78-81)

4) Sergio Romo: 9 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Slider.

• Romo came from a 3/4 release and showed a 3-8 slider with good bite and a fastball with some run in on righties.

8th: FB (91), SL (75-78)

5) Huston Street: 14 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. Fastball, Slider.

• Street came from a high 3/4 release and showed a 2-7 slider with good bite, a change with some fade from lefties and a little sink and a fastball with some run in on righties.

9th: FB (92-94), SL (84), CU (84)

Be jealous, I got paid to watch this entire series and got to watch this stellar pitching matchup. This series felt like playoff baseball and was phenomenal to watch.

8/21: SF @ COL

1) Aaron Cook: 47 pitches. 2 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs (1st, 3rd)

• Cook came from an over the top release and showed a sinker with good run in on righties and good sink that was hard, a sharp 2-7 slider with some bite and a 12-6 curve with below average depth. He left the game with an injury, which shouldn't surprise you looking at his velocities.

1st: FB (89-92), SL (82-88), CB (78)

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

3rd: FB (86-89)

4th: FB (83-85), SL (80)

2) Jonathan Sanchez: 91 pitches. 14 strikes swinging. 9 Fastballs (4 in 1st, 2 in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th), 5 Sliders (1st, 3rd, 4th, 2 in 5th)

• Sanchez came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on lefties, a 9-4 slider with solid bite and a change with some fade from righties with sink that he will throw to lefties.

1st: FB (91-95), SL (80-84), CU (87)

2nd: FB (91-94), SL (81-82)

3rd: FB (91-95), SL (78-81)

4th: FB (90-93), SL (81-82)

5th: FB (90-93), SL (78-82)

3) Josh Fogg: 45 pitches. 11 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs (4th, 6th), 6 Cutters (4th, 4 in 5th, 6th), 2 Changeups (4th, 6th), Curveball (6th)

• Fogg came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a cutter with some cut, a change with some fade from lefties with good sink that he will throw to righties and a 12-6 curve with average depth.

4th: FB (86-88), Cut (84-86), CU (82-84)

5th: FB (88), Cut (84-87), CU (82-83)

6th: FB (87-88), Cut (83-86), CU (82-83), CB (74)

4) Brandon Medders: 29 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Medders came from an over the top release and showed a fastball with some cut to it, a slow 12-6 curve that can just hang that he will throw 3-2, a 2-7 slider with some bite and a change with good fade from lefties with good sink.

6th: FB (88-91), CB (69-72), SL (79-86)

7th: FB (89-90), CB (70-71), CU (78-79)

5) Sergio Romo: 7 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Romo came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with a little run in on righties and a 3-8 slider with good bite.

7th: FB (91-92), SL (75-79)

6) Jeremy Affeldt: 28 pitches. 3 strikes swinging. Fastball, 2 Curveballs (all in 8th)

• Affeldt came from an over the top release and showed a sweeping 11-5 curve with slightly above average depth, a change with some run in on righties and some sink and a straight 4-seam fastball.

7th: FB (95-96), CB (80-81)

8th: FB (94-96), CB (80-81), CU (88)

7) Adam Eaton: 42 pitches. 5 strikes swinging. Fastball (7th), 2 Cutters (both in 8th), Changeup (8th), Slider (8th)

• Eaton came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties, a cutter with some cut, a change with a little fade from lefties, a 12-6 curve with average depth and a 2-7 slider with some bite.

7th: FB (88-90), Cut (85-87), CB (72-74), CU (82-83), SL (80)

8th: FB (88-91), Cut (84-89), CB (70-76), CU (82-83), SL (79-81)

8) Joe Beimel: 11 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Curveball.

• Beimel came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on lefties and good sink, a change with some fade from righties with some sink and a 11-5 curve with average depth.

9th: FB (85-89), CB (74), CU (78)

9) Brian Wilson: 22 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

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

9th: FB (93-99), Cut (86-91)

8/10: LAD @ SF

1) Hiroki Kuroda: 93 pitches. 9 strikes swinging. 5 Fastballs (1st, 2 in 2nd, 2 in 4th), 4 Sliders (2 in 1st, 2 in 2nd), Splitter (3rd)

• Kuroda came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with above average run in on righties with solid sink, a split with slightly above average dive and a 2-7 slider with good bite that he can hang and can be inconsistent break-wise. He will throw 3-2 splitters.

1st: FB (90-94), SL (81-86), Split (87-88)

2nd: FB (91-94), SL (81-86), Split (88-89)

3rd: FB (91-95), SL (79-85), Split (86-90)

4th: FB (93-94), Split (89)

5th: FB (91-94), SL (85)

6th: FB (92-94)

7th: FB (92-95), SL (81)

2) Jonathan Sanchez: 91 pitches. 6 strikes swinging. 2 Fastballs (both in 4th), 2 Sliders (1st, 5th), 2 Changeups (2nd, 5th)

• Sanchez came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with a little run in on lefties, a change with some fade from righties with sink and a loopy 11-5 slider with some bite. He will throw 2-0 changes and 2-1 sliders. Stuff looked better, but still may be a step back from last year.

1st: FB (91-95), SL (79-85), CU (83-88)

2nd: FB (91-94), SL (78-85), CU (82-86)

3rd: FB (86-93), SL (79-80), CU (79-81)

4th: FB (89-93), SL (77-83), CU (78-87)

5th: FB (88-93), SL (80-84), CU (83-85)

3) Justin Miller: 31 pitches. 5 strikes swinging. 5 Sliders (3 in 6th, 2 in 7th)

• Miller came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with above average run in on righties with good sink, a split with solid dive and a 2-7 slider with solid bite.

6th: FB (88-90), SL (78-81), Split (79-80)

7th: FB (87-89), SL (77-81), Split (80)

4) Hong-Chih Kuo: 6 pitches. 1 strike swinging. Fastball.

• Kuo came from a high 3/4 release and showed an explosive fastball with some run in on lefties.

7th: FB (93-95)

5) Ronald Belisario: 3 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Belisario came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties with some sink and a 2-7 slider with solid bite.

7th: FB (94), SL (85)

6) George Sherrill: 10 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Sherrill came from a high 3/4 release and showed a fastball with some run in on righties and a 11-5 slider with solid bite.

8th: FB (89-90), SL (74-75)

7) Sergio Romo: 16 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Romo came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good run in on righties with good sink, a 3-9 slider with good bite that stays on the same plane as his fastball until breaking late and a change with good fade from lefties with okay sink.

8th: FB (88-90), SL (75-78), CU (81)

8) Merkin Valdez: 16 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

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

9th: FB (91-97), SL (76-84), Split (86)

9) Jonathan Broxton: 11 pitches. 0 strikes swinging.

• Broxton came from an over the top release and showed a straight 4-seam fastball.

9th: FB (96-100)

Chart Observations: TEX @ SF

• Matt Cain is a 6-3, 245 pound righty. The 24 year old has a medium to big frame that is maxed out. He comes from an over the top release primarily, but will be anywhere between over the top and 3/4. His fastball shows some run and a little sink. His curveball is a power 12-6 with good depth that can be a strikeout pitch. His change has excellent fade and sink and is a pitch he will throw to righties. He also throws a hard slider that is a 2-7 pitch with good bite. It appears his arm can occasionally lag behind his delivery and he does have some command issues (but not control issues). He tends to pitch to the middle of the plate as opposed to the corners. Cain is a strong # 2 right now, as all his pitches are at least above average, but I want to see more consistent command before I call him an ace.

1st: FB (91-94), SL (88), CU (86-87), CB (77-78)

2nd: FB (92-95), SL (89), CU (88), CB (76)

3rd: FB (91-96), SL (88), CU (89), CB (77)

4th: FB (92-94), SL (86), CB (76)

5th: FB (91-95), CU (89), CB (75-78)

6th: FB (93-95), SL (86-88), CU (87-88), CB (75-80)

7th: FB (92-94), SL (89), CU (86-87)

8th: FB (92-94), SL (87), CU (86)

• Derek Holland is a 6-2, 185 pound lefty. The 22 year old has a medium frame that can get up to 205 at least. He comes from a high 3/4 release with a classic drop and drive delivery. He has a Bronson Arroyo type leg kick and has a very quiet delivery until right before release and he has a little bit of a head jerk. His fastball has good run in on righties and a little sink. His change is a straight change with some late sink and fade. His curveball is a 11-4 with good bite and it can be sharp or a get me over pitch. His slider is a flat, sharp 10-4 pitch that can show good bite, but is usually below average. Holland is currently a # 4 or # 5 starter, as he has no consistent off speed pitch or great command (probably right around average). However, he is a guy with a bright future (barring injury). He projects to be at least a strong # 2 or a closer. I think he settles in the back of a bullpen.

1st: FB (94-96), CU (84)

2nd: FB (93-96), CB (78-79), SL (81)

3rd: FB (92-95), CB (77-79), SL (85)

4th: FB (92-93)

5th: FB (91-96), CU (82-85), CB (74-78)

6th: FB (91-95), CB (73)

7th: FB (92-95), CU (84), CB (78), SL (84-86)

• Frank Francisco is a 6-3, 230 pound righty. The 29 year old has a medium to big frame that is maxed out. He comes from a high 3/4 release with a classic drop and drive delivery. His fastball shows good run and sink. His split shows excellent late dive and is a plus pitch. His curveball is a 12-6 pitch with good depth. Francisco is a very underrated closer who can run into the occasional control problem. He is an above average major league closer.

8th: FB (92-94), Split (84-86), CB (76)

• Darren O'Day is a sidearming righty who featured a fastball with good sink and run and a 3-8 slider with solid bite.

9th: FB (85-86), SL (76-78)

• Brian Wilson comes from a high 3/4 release and shows a straight 4-seam fastball with a little run and a cutter with good cut and some sink and can move like a sharp 2-7 slider at times.

9th: FB (96-97), Cut (89-92)

10th: FB (96-98), Cut (89-91)

• Jason Jennings is a 6-2, 235 pound righty. The 30 year old has a medium frame that is maxed out and has some bad weight, as his thighs are gargantuan and look to rub together as he walks. He comes from an over the top release. His arm action raises some concerns to me, as he almost throws with a straight arm and looks like he puts a lot of strain on his shoulder. His fastball shows above average sink and run. His slider is a 1-7 offering with good bite that can look like a curveball at times. Solid middle reliever for however long he can stay healthy. I wouldn't count on him for a full season due to his body and arm action.

10th: FB (88), SL (80-82)

11th: FB (88-89), SL (81-82)

• Sergio Romo comes from a 3/4 release with a fastball that shows some run and flashes plus run and a 2-7 slider with some bite that is a latebreaker and stays on the same plane as his fastball until it breaks. He is pitching a little over his head right now and will likely be returning to earth shortly. Solid middle reliever, but not a guy who won't walk guys or be a set-up guy.

11th: FB (88-90), SL (76-78)

• Brandon Boggs made a pinch hit appearance and is a 5-11, 205 pound 26 year old. The switch hitter, righty thrower has a small frame that is maxed out and may have some bad weight and is another Ranger that has very big thighs. As a lefty, he has a slightly open stance where he stands fairly straight up with some bat wiggle. His trigger is a small step with weight shifting back and cocking of the bat. He struck out.

Chart Observations: SF @ FLA

I volunteered for the long game (was in the office at 7:50 and figured since I was already there, might as well do it to ensure it was completed by 7). In return for doing this, I was able to choose my other chart and decided on this game to see Tim Lincecum and scout some Giants pitchers that I haven't yet seen this year.

• Tim Lincecum is a 5-11, 170 pound righty. The 24 year old has a small frame that can add a lot more muscle. I am not going to go into his mechanics, as if you are reading this blog and actually find it interesting, then you have enough of a background in baseball to know his mechanics. He comes from an over the top release that hides the ball extremely well. His fastball has some fade, though the amount can vary from pitch to pitch. His curveball is a hard breaking 12-6 with great depth and bite. His change shows excellent sink and fade and is actually his best off-speed offering. His slider is thrown every once in awhile in K situations to righties and is a sharp 2-7 offering with great bite. He has plus command of his pitches. He didn't have his best stuff today, but still had a shutout through 7. A true ace and amongst the top 10 pitchers in baseball.

1st: FB (91-94), CB (77), CU (82)

2nd: FB (90-94), CB (76-80), CU (82-85), SL (83)

3rd: FB (91-95), CU (83), SL (81)

4th: FB (90-92), CB (75-77), CU (81-82)

5th: FB (90-93), CB (77-79), CU (82)

6th: FB (90-93), CB (79), CU (81-82)

7th: FB (91-93), CB (73-78), CU (82-83)

8th: FB (90-93)

• Ricky Nolasco made his return to the big leagues and is the same pitcher I saw last start. He comes from a 3/4 release with a classic drop and drive delivery, though it sometimes appears that his arm can lag behind. His fastball has some fade and a little sink. His slider is a 2-7 offering that can hang or show great bite. His curve is a big breaking 12-6 and his splitter shows good bite or fade (and throws it almost exclusively to lefties). His command has been spotty and this has been his main downfall. He will leave some pitches over the middle or just walk you on 4 or 5 pitches. He should be fine and I wouldn't even have sent him to AAA.

1st: FB (90-93), CB (75), SL (81-82), Split (84)

2nd: FB (89-93), CB (75-78), SL (85), Split (84)

3rd: FB (90-92), CB (75-77), Split (85)

4th: FB (89-93), CB (73-75), SL (81-85), Split (86)

5th: FB (89-93), CB (73), SL (82-83), Split (84-85)

6th: FB (90-93), CB (73-77)

7th: FB (90-92), CB (73), SL (81-84), Split (84-85)

• Cristhian Martinez returned from AA and appeared in this game. The righty came from a 3/4 release and showed a fastball with good sink and fade, a slider that is a somewhat flat 2-7 offering and a change with similar movement to his fastball.

8th: FB (90-92), SL (79-83), CU (85-86)

• Sergio Romo is a 5-11, 190 pound right hander. The 26 year old has a small frame that is maxed out. He comes from a 3/4 release. His fastball shows good fade and sink. His slider is a loopy 2-7 offering that is very similar to Chad Gaudin's and can flash above average, as it stays on the same plane as his fastball until the last 20 feet or so. Solid middle reliever, but is over exposed as anything more then that.

8th: FB (89-90), SL (78-79)

• Kiko Calero may be the most frustrating pitcher for me to chart just because he throws a ton of sliders. He comes from a high 3/4 release and features a 1-8 slider with good bite that he can throw anywhere. His fastball is a 2-seam with some sink and fade and his change is similar, but is below average and was hammered foul by Randy Winn.

9th: SL (79-81), FB (88-89), CU (81)

• Brian Wilson is a 6-1, 195 pound righty. The 27 year old has a medium frame that has room to add more muscle. He comes from a 3/4 release. His fastball shows good fade and a little sink, but it can also be straight. His cutter has good cut and sink and can look like a slider. I am not a big fan of him as a closer and would prefer him as a middle reliever.

9th: FB (93-97), Cut (87-90)