[LT Profits]

Lannon is nothing special when you watch him in person, and he has mediocre velocity at best. Yet, he has been Greg Maddux-like as far as precision over his last seven starts:

Date	Opp	Site	IP	H	R	ER	SO	BB
6/22/08	Tex	H	6	4	2	2	6	0
6/17/08	Min	A	7	5	2	2	3	2
6/11/08	Pit	A	6	7	2	2	3	0
6/5/08	STL	H	6	4	2	2	0	4
5/29/08	SD	A	6	5	2	2	5	3
5/24/08	Mil	H	5	5	3	3	4	0
5/18/08	Bal	A	7.1	4	1	1	5	1

Ok, maybe he walks a few more guys than Maddux but that's still three runs or less in seven straight starts. Frankly, I do not believe he is this good and am playing against him with the Orioles today.

[fifawcs]

Garrett Olson has been awful on the road.

[LT Profits]

Olson is a much better pitcher than Lannan from a pure talent perpective, so I feel correcting efforts are in order for both pitchers. Besides, facing the pathetic Nats offense is certainly a plus.

[TeamPlayer]

Since when does Velocity alone determine a pitcher's career? What was Greg Maddux velocity? Right...nothing special. What was Don Sutton's velocity.....Right...nothing special.

There's many hall of fame pitchers who had lesser velocity. It's about location!

[element1286]

When Maddux was putting up his great years he had the velocity.

I agree with LT, the guy probably has only one plus pitch (curve), and average change up, and below average fastball and slider. Guys like that just don't put up these kind of numbers, no matter how good their control is. He might be having a Zach Duke type of rookie season, and he will probably fall off at some point. I have the O's today, so I am banking on it.

[EaglesPhan36]

This series is a good reason why Interleague should be banned for life. I see no reason to bet on this one, but would go with the dog.

[onlooker]

I have a lean on the Nationals, if they become plus money, I will probably bet it.

[Doc JS]

When Maddux was putting up his great years he had the velocity.

Maddux has never been a + velocity guy. Even when he was winning all his Cy Young awards his fastball was no better than 91-92. It's always been about outstanding control and the ability to throw any of his pitches in any count.

Doc

[topgame85]

Orioles are schizo beat cubs 2-3 in Chitown and lose by two to the nats?! comeon who knows what team will take the field today no way to tell

[acuraintegralove]

Garrett Olson has been awful on the road.

Road doesn't matter here, there will be plenty of O's fans since the stadiums are 45 minutes apart. I'll be at this game and got 1 unit on the O's. +101

[acuraintegralove]

Since when does Velocity alone determine a pitcher's career? What was Greg Maddux velocity? Right...nothing special. What was Don Sutton's velocity.....Right...nothing special.

There's many hall of fame pitchers who had lesser velocity. It's about location!

I think the movement on the pitch has more to do than velocity or placement. Take Wakefield for example, no velocity and irradic placement... yet tons of movement on the knuckle...

[freeVICK]

balt is the play

[j$]

Like Baltimore but Ive only played them twice all year 1-1 with them

[frostno98]

I'm playing Baltimore too, just because LT is playing it.

[freeVICK]

looking good so far, but long way to go

[onlooker]

Good thing I stayed off them Nationals.

[betplom]

John Lannan Comes Back to Earth Today

Now if only George Harrison would come back to earth the Beatles could re-unite.

[TheLock]

Now if only George Harrison would come back to earth the Beatles could re-unite.

[ManOfValue]

Good call LTP...