=== 2001 Redux ===

The 116-win M's lost the 2001 ALCS in large part because the Yankees had the pitch-count tendencies and my man Lou Piniella didn't worry about them much.  The blow of the series, by Alfonso Soriano, was an HR off Kazuhiro Sasaki in a pitch count on which Sasaki threw almost 100% the same pitch all year.

It's the same as pitch-tipping.

For 35 years, the M's have given away runs to superior advance scouting and superior pitch-count analysis.

So far, Pineda's 2-0 fastballs have avoided the worst, due to their sheer excellence.  But you can't inform the batter of what's coming and expect to succeed.

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SSI doesn't have to tell you about the NFL -- how they have brought down-and-distance play tendencies to a fine science.  Play calling in the NFL consists mostly of finger-trigger games as to whether teams will vary from their tendencies.

In spots, the M's are apparently giving this entire realm of the game to the opponent as handicap.  I personally wouldn't say that they're so good that they can spot the 9 ball to the Red Sox.

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As a fan, I'm watching for those League and Pineda "get back in the count" fastballs to find some balance.  Maybe you amigos want to check to see if any other M's pitchers with good fastballs are being abused similarly.

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=== Dr's R/X ===

If Brandon League is capable of bringing his split up into the strike zone, for a called strike, he'd better start doing it on the first pitch.  30% of the time.

It might get hit for a homer?  News for ya, dude:  they're hitting hard fly balls off your telegraphed heater, NOW.

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There was a big adjustment phase for Sasaki -- a very similar pitcher -- in which Sasaki needed to learn to throw a splitter for a called first strike.  It set up his whole game.  

A closer has to have some pitchability!  Sasaki had a real rough ride, early on, when he was throwing the fastball for strikes only, and the splitter in the dirt only.  Not workable, kiddies.

He did take to starting hitters off with The Thang for 0-1, and from there on it was clear sailing.  Do you remember?

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If League is not capable of throwing his splitter for a called strike, then his usefulness in the big leagues will be extremely limited.

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Michael Pineda's situation is a bit less dire; he just needs to throw a few more sliders in 2-0, 3-1 counts.  He can do it voluntarily, or he can wait for the hitters to convince him.

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BABVA,

Dr D