So I'm watching this Phillies v. Braves game on MLB TV......

[stevenash]

And Paul Maholm is getting lit up like a Christmas tree.
This guy has nothing , Phillies torched him for three in the first, could have been a lot worse if it wasn't for a bone head base path running on the Phils part.

On the flip side, Cole Hamels looks razor sharp, it's only the second.
But the point is, if the Braves are counting on Maholm for 10 + wins, I don't see it happening.
But it's spring.

On a side note
This morning, I placed a little bet on Philly -120 (because I liked the 3 inning match up Hamels v. Maholm)
I get back from running errands, I noticed the line settled at Atlanta -105.

25 cent swing in 3 hours is unusual for a spring training game.

[Chi_archie]

Can't take top much stock in any of that. Many times vet pitchers, especially guys that aren't competing for a spot are just throwing 30 fastballs working on placement only, or a brand new change up grip, or some other off speed pitch. They know it and soon the entire opposing team knows it.


Means nothing to most of us outside observers

[EXhoosier10]

Can't take top much stock in any of that. Many times vet pitchers, especially guys that aren't competing for a spot are just throwing 30 fastballs working on placement only, or a brand new change up grip, or some other off speed pitch. They know it and soon the entire opposing team knows it.


Means nothing to most of us outside observers

which is why betting ST can be tricky. Nobody is a sure thing out there

[Da Beer Guy]

not long ago Malholm was considered the worst pitcher in the major leagues he started a season i think 0-13 for the Pirates.

Last year he was filthy.


I think he will have a decent season but it will be hard for him to duplicate last years success.

this year though he has a better team behind him.

He will definitely win 10 games if healthy.

[stevenash]

Means nothing to most of us outside observers

I know this, which is why I stated "it's spring" in the OP
However, the guy was just lobbing in meatballs in the first.

[Da Beer Guy]

BTW what was Hamels vellocity today?

Keep an eye and pitchers velocity in spring training. So many pitchers rely on velocity for success.

A prime example is Josh Beckett and Tim Lincecum

Those guys really need to throw 93mph or harder to be successful.

A guy like Malholm relies alot on his control and movement. I wouldnt worry about him this early in the year. He can be successful in the 88-90mph range.

[Da Beer Guy]

if cole hamels is able to bump it up to 94mph range all game look out, guy is almost unhittable when he has his good FB.

[EASports]

Spring training is meaningless, as far as the results go. For example last year Eric Hosmer killed, I mean absolutely crushed the ball in spring training. Then then the season started, and he was an abject failure throught the season. The motivations, and level of fitness vary to much for any long term assumptions to be made.

[stevenash]

BTW what was Hamels vellocity today?

Keep an eye and pitchers velocity in spring training. So many pitchers rely on velocity for success.

A prime example is Josh Beckett and Tim Lincecum

Those guys really need to throw 93mph or harder to be successful.

A guy like Malholm relies alot on his control and movement. I wouldnt worry about him this early in the year. He can be successful in the 88-90mph range.

Cole was around 93 and he was pitching smart, he was getting the off speed stuff for strikes at the knees, then come back with a 93 mph heater at the letters.
Impressive, but still spring, start

5-1 Philly

[stevenash]

Howard just hit a moonshot to Neptune.
Opposite to left center but like 10000000 feet.
Howard is seeing the ball real well, double, a bomb, and a loud out

[stevenash]

Spring training is meaningless, as far as the results go.

As far a results go, yeah.
I look for mechanics and such in spring.
I don't care if a guy goes for 0 for 4, how he went 0 for 4 is important to me.
Were they 'loud' four outs, or did he look foolish striking out 3 times?

[konck]

Im in clearwater right down the street is my gym LA Fitness next to that Bright House field Phils park.
I was at the 1st game Hamels looked good there to. You cant really bet ST on match ups your just guessing really they bring in a lot of bush players. BTW guy comes down form philly to watch ST games he makes a really good philly cheese steak outside the park on some days.

[stevenash]

Im in clearwater right down the street is my gym LA Fitness next to that Bright House field Phils park.
I was at the 1st game Hamels looked good there to. You cant really bet ST on match ups your just guessing really they bring in a lot of bush players. BTW guy comes down form philly to watch ST games he makes a really good philly cheese steak outside the park on some days.

What do you do in Fla?