JV:the aftermath

[JimR]

He conceded last night he has to make adjustments to keep the balls in the park. Any bets on what he’ll do?

[MusicMan]

He conceded last night he has to make adjustments to keep the balls in the park. Any bets on what he’ll do?

I’m just glad he admitted there’s a problem instead of continuing to blame the ball.


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[Astros Fan in Big D]

Here's the MLB At Bat article from last night's game, with quotes from JV and AJ:

 https://www.mlb.com/news/justin-verlander-gives-up-three-hrs-to-angels


Totally agree that seeing JV acknowledge it's an issue is good.   As for specific,  that is way,  way,  way beyond my pay grade.

Last night it seemed there were 2 cement mixers up in the zone that were punished severely, though AJs comments were more about FBs.

[JimR]

I’m just glad he admitted there’s a problem instead of continuing to blame the ball.


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Yep. They are sitting on his FB at the top of the zone.

[HudsonHawk]

He falls in love with his fastball.  And it's a good one.  And I like that he challenges hitters.  But maybe sometimes he's just stubborn about strike outs. 

[jbm]

He falls in love with his fastball.  And it's a good one.  And I like that he challenges hitters.  But maybe sometimes he's just stubborn about strike outs.

I agree. Off the top of my head, I can’t recall another starter who challenges with fastballs as much as him.

[Mr. Happy]

He falls in love with his fastball.  And it's a good one.  And I like that he challenges hitters.  But maybe sometimes he's just stubborn about strike outs.

I really admre IV for stepping up and acknowledging that he's playing a part in the home run increase, instead of the default pitcher response heretofore-it's the ball.

I agree with HH. When JV was throwing 99 (which I've seen him do many times even in the ninth inning when we was with Detroit), he might have gotten away with it a bit more. I also that it's a matter of adjustment in part for age. Not even JV is immune from the effects of Father Time. He is 37. Time to pitch with a bit more guile. I'm not suggesting that he fall in love with his breaking ball, but perhaps a little more judicious use of his heater and a little dialing back of the desire to strike out every hitter might help.

What might be interesting about the juiced ball hubbub and the hitters' focus on launch angle is the effect that they might be having on pitchers who pitch to contact. Might have to take a look at that.

[Snuffy]

I agree. Off the top of my head, I can’t recall another starter who challenges with fastballs as much as him.

He has a strong incentive to admit and moreso to address this issue as he seeks to be effective - and paid to pitch - for several more years.

[Duman]

Heard a story the other day that JV was working on his breaking balls in Colorado.  Cole was giving him grief about it and JV said, if I can get it to break here, imagine what it will do at other parks.  Love his desire to get better.

[MRaup]

He has a strong incentive to admit and moreso to address this issue as he seeks to be effective - and paid to pitch - for several more years.

Unlike every other pitcher in the majors?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Interesting tidbit in here about Verlander getting called into a meeting with a Manfred lieutenant, Joe Torre, and Jim Leyland.

https://theathletic.com/1070670/2019/07/10/justin-verlander-wants-to-fix-the-baseballs-mlb-would-be-wise-to-hear-his-pitch/

[MRaup]

Interesting tidbit in here about Verlander getting called into a meeting with a Manfred lieutenant, Joe Torre, and Jim Leyland.

https://theathletic.com/1070670/2019/07/10/justin-verlander-wants-to-fix-the-baseballs-mlb-would-be-wise-to-hear-his-pitch/

Speaking of people who can go fuck themselves.

[Snuffy]

Unlike every other pitcher in the majors?

Absolutely true, as far as it goes.  But JV does not consider himself = "every other pitcher in the ML".  And the Astros agree, as evidenced by the $33 mil annual contract thru 2020, the year he turns 37. 

Bum Phillips' description of Earl would apply,

"(Earl) may not be in a class by himself, but whatever class he’s in, it doesn’t take long to call the roll.”

If he wants to remain in that class and be paid well after 37, you might agree that he has extra incentives to address his weaknesses cause time is running out for him to make them.

[JimR]

Does everyone see the adjustments JV  has made?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Does everyone see the adjustments JV  has made?

Using his secondary pitches more/better (or mo betta if you prefer)?

Or was there a mechanical adjustment.

[doyce7]

Using his secondary pitches more/better (or mo betta if you prefer)?

Or was there a mechanical adjustment.

Admittedly, I couldn't watch the whole game but that's what it seemed to me. Seemed like I saw fewer "here's my fastball right down the gut, try to hit it" pitches also, more corners

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[JimR]

Yep to both.

More reliance on breaking pitches. Less reliance to four seam at the top of the zone. They cannot sit on those.