Myers Having Velocity Issues

by FuquaManuel on Apr 28, 2008 2:10 PM EDT Comment 2 comments

Apparently, the coaches are concerned about Brett Myers' recent drop off in velocity.

Myers, formerly a pitcher who hovered around 92 mph with his straight stuff, has consistently been in the mid to high 80s this season - rarely breaking 90. This rather precipitous decline in velocity has been problematic for Myers as his ERA+ of 83, his ERA of 5.11, and his 10 home runs through 37 IP indicate. It is suggested in the article that the decline in velocity has also led Myers to change his approach on the mound by compensating with more cutters, some of which he has hung in the zone and...well...you know the rest.

Dubee has suggested that Myers begin playing long toss before his starts to rebuild arm strength; Myers does not like to play long toss.

Dubee has also suggested that Myers try and rely less on his cutter and more on his curve to change speeds and make his fastball appear faster; Myers has continued to rely on his cutter.

Stubborn? I wouldn't put it past him.

In any event, something needs to change. Our already suspect starting rotation cannot afford mediocrity from a pitcher who was widely expected to be one its two anchors.

0 recs | Comment 2 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

2-3 mph I’d guess arm strength. 5-6 I hate to be negative. I’ll bet he was checked out yesterday being an off day, but knowing the Phillies and injury issues we’ll never know. All in all he could really be good if he could harness the potential.

by Steve-O- on Apr 29, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The in-between-the-lines stuff I read in the Inquirer is that he doesn’t take conditioning or preparation seriously, and he was called out in the paper for not following coaching advice. The man has time to punk Kendrick in the lockerroom, though, and let’s not forget the anger-management issues. He could lay off a cheesesteak or two, that wouldn’t hurt.

Let’s face it, he’s our version of Nuke LaLouche, kissed at birth with a multi-million dollar arm. For the career to last long, he’s got to sort out his head.

"You can't worry if it's cold; you can't worry if it's hot; you only worry if you get sick. Because then if you don't get well, you die." -Joaquin Andujar

by Wet Luzinski on May 6, 2008 9:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs