As we noted here, the 2011 Brandon League always ("always" in this instance meaning: always) throws a fastball in two situations:

• If he has not yet thrown a fastball in an AB, including the first pitch (0-0, 1-0, 2-0, 3-0)
• If he has fallen behind (2-1, 3-1, and 3-2 counts)

The other team, of course, knows this.  

So, in these pitch counts it would not harm League to hold his mitt above his head, palm toward the plate, and call, "Fastball now!  Okay?", and then throw.  The batter would gain no advantage he does not currently possess.

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In recording his 'tough save' on May 3, 2011, League threw seven pitches under these "tell him what's coming" conditions.

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=== 1 Beltre ===

In this AB, only pitch 1 was pre-announced.  Let's see what happened:

League threw the fastball, but it was right on the black inside, and high -- even if you're sitting dead red, you don't swing at it in that location.  Not first pitch.

League used outstanding location to render the pre-announcement of the pitch a moot point.

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=== 2 Moreland ===

Again, only pitch 1 here was a pre-announced pitch.  

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.......

M's fans know what to watch for.  In hitter's counts, League is going to need to either mix some splitters, or else be hair-fine with his command.  If he does either, he looks like an elite closer to SSI.

If he fails in either, if he centers even a few 0-0, 1-0 or 2-1 fastballs to good hitters, he could go down in some blue-hot flames.

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Cheers,

Dr D