Today's result only underscores my appreciation of Greg Maddux as a "defensive" pitcher - a true sixth infielder. Maddux squared up after each pitch and prevented many a ball from going up the middle.
I watched today's game; on Wick's last pitch it looked like he was falling off the mound but then righted himself. Had he not, that ball might have ended up in center field, and who knows what then would have happened in a 1-0 game.
Well done, Mr. Wicks.
Pitchers everywhere: watch a Maddux video. (But I still don't think his uniform number should have been retired or flying jointly with Fergie's). Don't fall off the mound - develop pitches, keep it low, placement, throw some junk.
Memory lane: I could hit, but I was a lousy infielder when I was switched to third in high school.
At 11 I faced a guy who looked like he was seven feet tall and was a straight fastballer. OK, me a shrimp. Result: homer, me, to direct center field. The guy later became a teammate in high school and a Big 8 linebacker.
Hitters everywhere: don't fear the fastball unless you're up against Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Nolan Ryan, Walter Johnson, Goss Gooseage et al.
Thanks for your time.
A good hitter will beat a fastballer most of the time. You can quote me, no charge.
A fastballer just wants to get it over the plate; a good hitter knows that. Advantage: hitter.