PitchFx Analysis of J.P. Howell's Scoreless Inning for Team U.S.A.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 7, 2009 5:08 PM EST

The game was played in an active major league stadium, meaning real, true to life, holy goodness Pitchfx data. I don't even care that's it only 10 pitches, it's just good to be able to use this stuff again. Here's a look at Howell's control:

030709howellszone_medium

Don't be confused by the x-axis labels, remember; this is basically from the catchers perspective. The left of the strike zone is on the same side as right-handed hitters. Howell worked on that side quite a bit despite being a lefty. Here's a look at how J.P.'s pitches broke:

030709howellmove_medium

Howell threw three curveballs (I bet you can guess which) along with a handful of change-ups andfastballs. One last graph, Howell's velocity:

030709howellvelo_medium

Howell mixed speeds well, sitting within a range of 77 and 86 miles per hour.

Overall, a successful day for Howell who pitched well and avoided injury.

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Comments

To me, it seems the 82-86 mph pitches are the fastball and he only threw one change-up (and the 3 curves you mentioned). Maybe I just don’t know Howell very well though.

by ultxmxpx on Mar 7, 2009 6:13 PM EST reply actions

Could be a classification error.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 7, 2009 6:18 PM EST up reply actions

84 MPH

was there a strong wind behind him?

In the name of Shinji Mori, we shall win!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Mar 7, 2009 8:18 PM EST reply actions

Here are my IDs for JP's outing by pitch_id

1494128 CH
1494126 FA
1494129 FA
1494132 FA
1494131 FA
1494124 FA
1494130 FA
1494133 SL
1494125 SL
1494127 SL

by Harry Pavlidis on Mar 7, 2009 9:56 PM EST reply actions

Hm, I'll fix it.

Any idea why the GD classification is so far off? Velocity or something else?

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 7, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions

When a fastball is that slow

the real-time system can get screwed-up. It’s much easier post hoc, believe me.

by Harry Pavlidis on Mar 7, 2009 10:41 PM EST up reply actions

Is a reliever pitching an inning in the WBC somehow more dangerous?

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 7, 2009 11:15 PM EST reply actions

Doesn't seem likely.

The only concern I can see would be that you’re pitching in games that “mean something” earlier than you normally would. Plus, many of these teams are loaded with offensive talent so you have to be more perfect, rather than being able to cruise, just getting your work in.

I don’t see it being an issue. I’m happy he’s playing. Personally, I’m against anyone playing, unless they’re a starting pitcher on my team. Other than that, have at it.

Tools Whore

by Tyler on Mar 8, 2009 1:44 AM EST up reply actions

I saw someone post something similar to this on BBTF the other day

But basically, until someone shows me some solid proof otherwise, I’m apt to believe players are just as likely to get hurt in spring games…or the Arizona Fall League…or warming up for live BP…or in batting practice…or infield practice…or ~~washing their truck~~ riding their motorcyle…or ironing their shirt…or opening a DVD case…or laying in a tanning bed…or sneezing…or dreaming about spiders.

by GomesSweetGomes on Mar 8, 2009 1:57 AM EST up reply actions