I want to make the point first that the pitch f/x data coming from MLB’s Gameday isn’t bad for analyzing. However, it gives out it own pitch classifications which can make unintentional mistakes for some reason. So whenever I do my pitch f/x graphs, I will change the pitch type classification so that you will a much more accurate information. Now here we go.
The title says it all, the stuff was there for Scott Kazmir making his second start after coming off the DL, but his pitch efficiency was no where to be found. Playing in his home state of Texas, Kazmir battled a very hot but familiar environment in Arlington. The Rangers use the heat and the ballpark to hit many balls out of the ballpark. A 1-2-3 first inning took him 22 pitches to complete, with the next two scoreless innings putting his pitch count to 58 in three innings. After giving up three runs in the next two innings, his pitch count would reach 99 as he would complete only five innings. How do I know he had good stuff? Six strikeouts in five innings is evident and a noticeable number of weak hits by the Rangers, except for Hank Blalock’s home run. Only walk shows he had the control again.
Not much run support but Kazmir could have easily gone deeper with the stuff he had tonight. A movement chart to visualize:
These pitches have good life, not as much as Kazmir’s had earlier in his MLB career. They can be great again with better command.
(Click for a bigger image). Notice the circle on the lower half. Kazmir has gotten some sliders in there and a good chunk for swinging strikes. A good sign is not too many off speed pitches in the strike zone with only one slider hit into play in the strike zone. Kazmir also got the Ranger hitters to hit some off speed stuff into play out of the strike zone. There is a good cluster around the 2.5 foot mark which is about thigh high to hitters and that is where most of the hits he gave up are located. One last thing is to note the bottom of the chart goes to 6 inches below the ground, which is the are in front of home plate. Kazmir tried to bounce in a few sliders and changeups and actually getting on swinging strike out of three sliders!
Still needs to work on his command, Kazmir has shown some good life again and needs to start pitching to both corners of the plate.
