Jim Leyland eschews 'power' pitchers in favor of talent

Leyland after loss seems happy that radar gun enthusiasts got poor results. Commenter to the article suggests Leyland was sending a message:

• LAKELAND, Fla. - "Tigers manager Jim Leyland believes that some pitchers diminish their effectiveness by trying to throw hard. He thinks they are too interested in reaching the red zone of velocity - 95 mph or better - on the much-watched radar guns and shun the components besides velocity that make for effective pitching.

So Leyland delighted in what happened in the Yankees’ 11-7 win over the Tigers Saturday.

• “There were no less than five or six guys who were throwing the ball from 95 to 98 (mph),” Leyland said. And then, with the air of a man making his point, he gave the final totals:

“There were 30 hits and 18 runs,” he said.

• He said the slugfest that erupted amid all this radar-gun heat made Saturday “the best game of the spring.”."..

(Proving his point)

• (Freep): "“That 95 and 98 doesn’t mean anything,” Leyland said. “I get sick and tired of hearing about all these good arms. I’ve heard that all my life.

“There is a whole lot more than the good arms. It’s a great example about the art of baseball. It doesn’t matter how hard you can throw it unless you can locate and have something else (another pitch or two) with it.”"

• Comments:

From DetfaninOrlando I think dieman is right on this one. I know DD prefers hard throwers to "crafty" pitchers, so hearing this from Leyland probably means he's making a specific point to one or all of the pitchers on his staff. Don't just throw hard, you've got to think about where the pitch is going. 3/16/2008 7:40:33 AM

• From Dieman:
• Once again Leyland is making statements directed at someone to make a point. He wants Verlander to use his off speed pitches in key situations to keep hitters off balance. Am I the only one who noticed this invective came the day after Verlander's fastball was dubed the best in baseball? Leyland doesnt spout off just to hear his own voice. There is a reason for him making statements like that. This time I believe it is because Verlander has the tendency to try and rear back and through the ball past people when he gets into a jam. Hitters have picked up on this and are waiting for that heat with their bat cocked and ready. Throw them a change up and they will screw themselves into the ground.

3/15/2008 10:10:48 PM

• From article by John Lowe on DetroitFreePress.com webexclusive, 3/14/08, "Jim Leyland believes pitching is more than power arms."

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