Gotcha
Viva had a nice post about Price's velocity dropping. Something to keep an eye on for those looking to sign him long term.
Yep. It is dropping, and it is troublesome. Another reason why I like Hamels. I know Hamels is not a hard throwing lefty, but his velocity has remained constant over the years. Average fastball velocity since 2007 (stats provided by fangraphs):
2007-91.1
2008-89.9
2009-90.3
2010-91.7
2011-91.2
2012-90.9
2013-91.3
2014-92.1
vs. David Price average fastball velocity since 2008
2008-93.8
2009-93.0
2010-95.3
2011-94.7
2012-95.3
2013-93.5
2014-93.1
Price has lost 2.2% velocity on his fastball in 2 seasons. He also has a little dip and hitch in his delivery. It's nothing terrible, but it can be since he will be turning 30 in August. Whereas, Hamels has reshaped his delivery (leaning too far back mid-motion) and now has a nice and easy delivery. Bothersome with both players, neither have had major arm injuries, yet. It just seems inevitable in todays game that every pitch will have at least one major surgery. Both would be huge helps to our rotation, but Hamels is the guy who is ideal, both short term and long term. I'm just afraid that Amaro will be asking for the moon, and he might not trade him until the All-Star break.
Viva El Birdis seems to think that Gonzales and Bournos gets Price.
If that's all it takes to get Price, Mo better do it right away.