Marc-O Threw the Ball Well (John Jay)
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Would you believe me if I told you that Marco threw only one bad pitch? Only one that the Royals hit, anyway. ... Okay, you're not going to believe your eyes, but we'll lay it out for you in gory detail. As the Russian Grandmasters say, "show me the concrete variation."
Above is the picture of the pitch sequence to JOHN JAY, leading off the game Monday. We'll have to put these in separate posts, because the system will not take graphics in the body of the post.
On a 1-1 pitch to start the game, Marco threw a cut fastball 89 MPH on the black to the lefty Jay. Actually not even on the black, correct? The ball is 4" outside. Jay ripped a single like it was batting practice -- as did all 8 Royals who hit these tough pitches. They all ripped hot singles and doubles on a line as if it were a pitching coach lobbing the ball in.
I've only seen this syndrome 3-4 times in my life, a ballclub teeing off on every single pitch even though it's quality. You have these options:
1. Marco was tipping off his pitches
2. The Royals had the signs
3. Baseball is just a funny game. Not ha-ha funny
4. You tell me
But this first hit leading off. Are you telling me that's a bad pitch? Do you advise Marco to never throw that cutter on the black, off the plate? You can't second-guess that pitch. It's an excellent pitch, or should be.
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