@Hubijerk said in Im usually a lurker here, reading posts. Maybe my first post.:
@sabometrics said in Im usually a lurker here, reading posts. Maybe my first post.:
If someone throws 98+ mph You basically have to guess and sit fastball and hope you are close to the location you are focused on. 102mph is a real headache and I honestly don't believe Walter Johnson threw 102mph from start to finish... I mean Rob Dibble could throw 102 or 103 for one inning maybe 2 innings but he had constant arm troubles. Nolan Ryan is really the only one who should throw 100+ as a starter, so this game gets it wrong in my opinion. Some people have a really good fast twitch reflex and you will never get a fastball past them but they will be susceptible to slow pitches so you can slow their bat down and dabble with the fastball later. Anyhow if someone senses you are sitting off speed you can expect a barage of fastballs and you will have to adjust and sit fastball. But its a constant guessing game. I know there are some people that can hit any pitch in any location at any speed, but those people are autistic freaks and you can't expect to be that good. Just try to play smart baseball, guess location and pitch type on the first two strikes then get defensive and fight anything close off till you get something you can handle. If there is a pitcher you can't solve and its upsetting you just move on to the next match and hope for someone more to your liking.
I think the best estimates of WJ's speed based on measurements were around 98. There were guys who were likely faster, but guy's who have played baseball at a decent level can tell you some guys stuff just looks and sounds different. I played with a guy who would only clock 92-93 but you'd swear standing in the box it was coming faster. it had a late pop, like it teleported the last few inches. Another guy on our team hit 97-98 and it didn't look nearly as intimidating.
Yea I hear ya... a lot depends on the delivery as well, some guys hide the ball better or have a herky jerky motion and the ball can get on you faster before you pick it up. And speaking of picking up the baseball I can't believe SDS flashes program messages while you are in the batter box.. I mean hear comes a ball at 102 in the corner and on the side I am informed that I have now pitched 12/15 innings with mariners pitchers lol.. thanks for that update SDS I really appreciate that flashing in my periphery as the pitch is on the way.