09/25 CUBS (Harden) @ NY Mets (Martinez) 6:10pm CDT, CSN+

[UMFan83]

Jim needs to hit 1 more HR so we can get our 6th 20 HR guy

[David]

People freak out about Harden's velo every other start.

 

Are we not used to the fact that this is how he pitches by now? This is a lot like the start vs. St. Louis where he said he purposely dialed it back to pitch to contact and get through innings efficiently. That game also happened to have the threat of rain looming.

 

His last start he was in the mid-90's.

[UMFan83]

Somebody wants to be on the postseason roster...To bad there probably won't be any room for him. Go Micah!

 

There is if Ward doesn't make it.

[UMFan83]

People freak out about Harden's velo every other start.

 

Are we not used to the fact that this is how he pitches by now? This is a lot like the start vs. St. Louis where he said he purposely dialed it back to pitch to contact and get through innings efficiently. That game also happened to have the threat of rain looming.

 

His last start he was in the mid-90's.

 

I've never heard of a pitcher that routinely dials back his fastball 8-10 MPH on purpose. It could happen, but I've never heard of it.

[hotshot13422]

Hoffpauir with a rbi double after a theriot 7 pitch walk. Edmonds now strikes out

 

3-1 cubs

[UMFan83]

Awesome, I didn't realize Pedro is going for his 100th career loss tonight.

[aeathin2]

While I appreciate Ward's walk off homer against Florida, he is not as good of hitter as Micah Hoffpauir, and Micah needs to be on the post season roster

[David]

How many pitchers change speeds the way Harden does in the first place? Not many are capable of it.

 

He's absolutely dominant with only two pitches and thrives mostly on changing speeds.

[Guest]

Micah apparently owns Pedro.

[Brian]

I kind of love that we are freaking out going for win #97.

[mikeyt34]

Unfortunately I think Ward is a lock. Although his veteran bat in high pressure situations will come in handy at some point in the playofffs. I guarantee there will be a moment when everyone will be glad Lou decided to take Ward over Hoffpauir. This coming from a guy who loves Hoffpauir.

[Guest]

People freak out about Harden's velo every other start.

 

Are we not used to the fact that this is how he pitches by now? This is a lot like the start vs. St. Louis where he said he purposely dialed it back to pitch to contact and get through innings efficiently. That game also happened to have the threat of rain looming.

 

His last start he was in the mid-90's.

 

I've never heard of a pitcher that routinely dials back his fastball 8-10 MPH on purpose. It could happen, but I've never heard of it.

 

10 mph? He's been 86-89 mph, I don't think we've seen too many 99s out of Harden.

[17 Seconds]

People freak out about Harden's velo every other start.

 

Are we not used to the fact that this is how he pitches by now? This is a lot like the start vs. St. Louis where he said he purposely dialed it back to pitch to contact and get through innings efficiently. That game also happened to have the threat of rain looming.

 

His last start he was in the mid-90's.

 

But even in those starts it wasn't this low. He hasn't even hit 90 yet and we're through 2 innings. If he had at least hit 92 a couple times I'd feel better.

[hotshot13422]

How many pitchers change speeds the way Harden does in the first place? Not many are capable of it.

 

He's absolutely dominant with only two pitches and thrives mostly on changing speeds.

 

As long as he can decieve hitters with his changeup, he could be throwing 55 and 48 and still be dominant.

[17 Seconds]

Unfortunately I think Ward is a lock. Although his veteran bat in high pressure situations will come in handy at some point in the playofffs. I guarantee there will be a moment when everyone will be glad Lou decided to take Ward over Hoffpauir. This coming from a guy who loves Hoffpauir.

 

Really? You guarantee it?

 

Ward does not deserve a playoff spot over Hoffpauir... and I don't even like Hoffpauir that much.

[David]

Just a random thought... I wonder if a pitcher can "feel" the difference between 89 and 92...

[UMFan83]

I'm looking at the weather for next week....looks like we'll be having playoff weather for Games 1 and 2. 60/49 on Wednesday and 61/48 on Thursday.

[David]

I'm looking at the weather for next week....looks like we'll be having playoff weather for Games 1 and 2. 60/49 on Wednesday and 61/48 on Thursday.

 

 

80's last year just did not feel right

[mikeyt34]

How many pitchers change speeds the way Harden does in the first place? Not many are capable of it.

 

He's absolutely dominant with only two pitches and thrives mostly on changing speeds.

 

As long as he can decieve hitters with his changeup, he could be throwing 55 and 48 and still be dominant.

 

Exactly! And not to make excuses but wasn't the gametime temp in the high 50's/ low 60's. He could be concerned with not loosing up and taking it easy in the early going.

[David]

Unfortunately I think Ward is a lock. Although his veteran bat in high pressure situations will come in handy at some point in the playofffs. I guarantee there will be a moment when everyone will be glad Lou decided to take Ward over Hoffpauir. This coming from a guy who loves Hoffpauir.

 

Really? You guarantee it?

 

Ward does not deserve a playoff spot over Hoffpauir... and I don't even like Hoffpauir that much.

 

 

I agree.

[mikeyt34]

Unfortunately I think Ward is a lock. Although his veteran bat in high pressure situations will come in handy at some point in the playofffs. I guarantee there will be a moment when everyone will be glad Lou decided to take Ward over Hoffpauir. This coming from a guy who loves Hoffpauir.

 

Really? You guarantee it?

 

Ward does not deserve a playoff spot over Hoffpauir... and I don't even like Hoffpauir that much.

 

Just a figure of speech dude. Jeez, have another cup of coffee.

[UMFan83]

How many pitchers change speeds the way Harden does in the first place? Not many are capable of it.

 

He's absolutely dominant with only two pitches and thrives mostly on changing speeds.

 

As long as he can decieve hitters with his changeup, he could be throwing 55 and 48 and still be dominant.

 

Exactly! And not to make excuses but wasn't the gametime temp in the high 50's/ low 60's. He could be concerned with not loosing up and taking it easy in the early going.

 

Is he going to do that in October? I'm assuming not.

[hotshot13422]

So much for fukudome being good again

[bearjuice]

Man ... Fukudome looks horrible. It would've been nice to see him get his act back together (see: start of the season) by this point for the playoffs, but - unfortunately - it does not seem as if he is ...

[UMFan83]

It's been weird watching this entire series from the eyes of a team that is playing meaningless games. I keep seeing the Mets get big hits, and they are pumping their fists and getting excited, and I have to remind myself that the Mets are still battling for a playoff spot.