yankees228

Lefties have hit him well this year, but it's over a 67 plate appearance sampling. I don't think you can draw any conclusions from that. As for his changeup, if you used last year as a guide, it really improved in the second half. I think there's a good chance it comes back to him in due time.

Question about the grades on the bottom of Gumbs' scouting report: Aren't they supposed to be out of 80?

It's worth noting that according to Fangraph's pitch values, his slider has been better this year than it was last year. Three home runs, because of how small a number it is, can be passed off as a fluke.

His K-rate was also way down the first half of last year, before he got a better feel for his secondary pitches. Again, it might not correct itself, but considering his career trends, I think it's likely that it will.

I don't know the ins and outs of CC's pitching abilities before last year, but, starting with last year (at least), his best pitch (and his out pitch) is his changeup. No question about it.

It's always possible that something is bothering him, but I think history proves otherwise. In terms of overall production, this first half is very similar to his past first halves. I think that's the main reason why you don't see any concern over CC. As for the velocity dip, according to fangraphs, here are his average fastball velocities from 2007 on. 2007: 92.9 2008: 93.7 2009: 94.2 2010: 93.1 According to PitchFX, in his last start, his average fastball velocity was in the mid 93s (depends on whether you look at his four seamer or sinker), and he topped out at 95.4. According to the data, I'm not too concerned about his velocity, especially with the warmer summer months ahead. As for the home runs, sure, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, but I think it's more likely that it has to do with poor location with his fastball, and not enough downward action on his changeup. I can't prove anything statistically, but I think there's a very good chance the increased home run rate is relatively flukey, and as the season progresses into a larger sampling, it will correct itself as CC's command hopefully improves.

Not happy about this considering all the talent that was still on the board.

What the hell?

Well, Castellanos or Wojo will now definitely be available. I'd really like one of them, but with the news about Wilson, I guess I'd be surprised.

There goes Lee. Going to be a tough sign. I'll be very happy with Castellanos and Wojciechowski. On the other hand, I'll be extremely disappointed with LaMarre.

Heard that Austin Wilson has a pretty strong college connection.

And there you go. EDIT: Could have been Wojo right there. Hope is still alive.

I'm still not confident that a guy projected to go as high as Cox will fall to 32.

I keep hearing Vettleson. What do you think?

Heck of a pick by the Rays. I guess they can still draft great without a top five pick.

Haha, considering what I expect to happen in this game pretty soon, Suns is going to need something to be happy about.

Not relevant to the game, but there is a lot of Guardians talk, so I figured I'd mention that the Guardians took Pomeranz. Personally, I think it was a really good pick, probably the best college arm in the draft.