Observations from Zach Britton's start (July 12, 2012)

[Jordan Tuwiner]

I'm watching the start on MiLB.TV. I believe Tucker is watching as well. I'll post some thoughts on Britton here as the game goes on.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Thoughts so far (only 2 innings):
- He's command his fastball pretty well. Hitting his spots and keeping it low in the zone.
- Slider looks sharp but he's been inconsistent with his command of it. Threw two really good ones.
- Unfortunately no velocity readings.

[TuckerBlair89]

First inning was about the most efficient inning I've seen all year from anyone. 6 pitches, 2 ground balls.
Going off what Jordan said, Slider is just all over place tonight. The two good ones were GOOD, but the others are going all over the place. Almost killed a batter with one haha.

He really does use the bottom portion of the plate well. When he is on, his fastball paints the black down there perfect. Sometimes I think he could get screwed over by umps that generally don't call low pitches, but that's pretty much an excuse.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Tucker, you see that breaking ball he just threw on that first pitch? Solid depth on that.

And a quick out on that at bat. He looks pretty good so far.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

That strikeout against Hudson was some great pitching. Catcher set up out and away on the last two pitches and Britton hit his spot both times. First one with a sinker, second with a slider.

If he pitches like this for the rest of the game I have no doubt he'll make his next start in Baltimore.

[TuckerBlair89]

Tucker, you see that breaking ball he just threw on that first pitch? Solid depth on that.

And a quick out on that at bat. He looks pretty good so far.

He really used the breaking ball a lot that inning. Didn't really show it at all up until that point.

Another thing I like about Zach is that he throws at the batter if they square around to bunt. I don't mean that as he literally is trying to hit them, but he pressures them inside. If you ever are attempting bunting, you'll see how truly hard it is to move the bat head around to bunt an inside pitch on your chest

[BuckMagic]

Thanks for the input guys! I am pleased with his progress. Rep to both of you!

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Thanks for the input guys! I am pleased with his progress. Rep to both of you!

No problem.

[TuckerBlair89]

I need to see how he looks in the 5th-6th inning though. He really fell off last time I watched. I missed his 8 inning start though.

also, the Tides color guy is ridiculous.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

I need to see how he looks in the 5th-6th inning though. He really fell off last time I watched. I missed his 8 inning start though.

also, the Tides color guy is ridiculous.

I'm close to turning off the audio, but I only have the window open when Britton's pitching or Hoes is up to bat. So I need the audio on to alert me!

[Jordan Tuwiner]

That play Britton just made on the bunt wasn't flashy, but I'm not sure a lot of pitchers get the out.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

There's two well thrown sliders from Britton. He's already throwing it for strikes more consistently than he was in the second inning.

[TuckerBlair89]

There's two well thrown sliders from Britton. He's already throwing it for strikes more consistently than he was in the second inning.

Indeed. He had another solid inning. Mind you, the Ironpigs have Zero power in their lineup, but he is getting primarily all grounders and choppers. Working low and away with ease against them.

[TuckerBlair89]

Well 2 ground balls from Britton here. An error at first by Mahoney (I guess?) allowed one guy to get on. It was on the toss.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

I need to see how he looks in the 5th-6th inning though. He really fell off last time I watched. I missed his 8 inning start though.

also, the Tides color guy is ridiculous.

Well, you were certainly right. He isn't commanding his fastball as well now and he's leaving it over the plate.