FORT MYERS - It's noticeable. It's exciting. It's worrisome. What is going on with the velocity Twins pitchers are seeing?

It's not uncommon to hear that a pitcher's velocity is up early in spring training - right up until we actually see in-game radar readings. But we are seeing those now, and the velocity is sticking around. What's going on, and it a positive sign for the future? John Bonnes reports from Twins spring training.

 

 

View full article

Hopefully, the team has implemented strength and condition regimens that are paying off.  It could just be spring training radar guns a little off on the high side.

are we sure the radars are calibrated correctly?

Whatever is going on, increased velocity was likely something the organization looked into once the shift was removed. Keep more balls out of play.

51 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

Hopefully, the team has implemented strength and condition regimens that are paying off.  It could just be spring training radar guns a little off on the high side.

Maybe different brand of gun?

The adrenaline high caused by the pitch clock. :)

idk if this is a factor but I remember a lot of discussion when Duran was with the Saints that the veloicty meters there were a little more friendly than Target Fields. These guys are defintley high for all the reason John cites, though perhaps it's also giving them a bit of extra pip.

Stadium radar guns are a marketing tool, not a coaching tool, correct?

I'd love to see an independent study on that. Though I'm sure MLB wouldn't allow it.

Higher radar speeds = higher fan-base interest = higher ticket sales....

Mr. Falvey!  Bushnell holding on line 2, JUGS rep on line 1!

 

2 hours ago, D.C Twins said:

are we sure the radars are calibrated correctly?

I'd also lean to hot radar guns.  It's too early in spring training for most of them to be ramped up to max velo anyway.

If it is statcast data it should be true.

Looking forward to mid summer of 98-107 mph fastballs from the staff.  will be fun to watch.

 

Starting pitching for our staff will still only average 4.5 innings per start.

Chinese spy balloons.

Forgive me for asking this here.  But for anybody that is at or has been to Fort Myers this year...any thoughts on places to stay.  My normal go to is spring hill suites...but is expensive this year.  I'm looking for something around $220 a Night that is decent?  Any help is appreciated.  Thankyou.  Sorry if this hijacks the thread..not my intention.

Rocco said earlier this spring somewhere that his goal was to get as many pitchers throwing 100 mph as possible.. STUPID! We are asking for more arm troubles. 

Can't blame the players as it is "notible" to throw 100 and will get publicity and if clearly hard to hit but..... 

We are also playing roulette with these guys arms. Wonder why there are so many arm.. elbow and shoulder issues.. Look no further. 

How about throw mid 90's and have great control and a mix of pitches to keep hitters from sitting on the FB? 

We are going to have a bunch of guys burn bright but a short burn. 

A.) Bonnes, you were born for TikTok.

2.) The increase.  Is this something being seen league wide?

D.) I'm jealous of the background.

5 hours ago, se7799 said:

Forgive me for asking this here.  But for anybody that is at or has been to Fort Myers this year...any thoughts on places to stay.  My normal go to is spring hill suites...but is expensive this year.  I'm looking for something around $220 a Night that is decent?  Any help is appreciated.  Thankyou.  Sorry if this hijacks the thread..not my intention.

Things in Fort Myers are just plain expensive this year. You may have to go further out. Because of the hurricane and the destruction of Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel and places near there, many residents are still displaced who are now renting many places that would go to monthly visitors in ‘normal’ times. And there is such a high demand still for construction workers and related subcontractor work, it’s been a slow process getting homes and condos back to habitable. My Mom’s place went through a remediation process that was just completed a few weeks ago and now begins reconstruction. In turn, there then has seen a higher need for hotel rooms since the usual condo rental market is tight. It’s the basic concept of ‘supply and demand’ at play here this year. You may have to go further away to find a rental or hotel within the range you mentioned.

Quote

I'd also lean to hot radar guns.  It's too early in spring training for most of them to be ramped up to max velo anyway.

Hard to be hot radar guns when everything is measured with Hawkeye/Trackman.

I do think being able to prepare for a spring training is a big influential factor here. Would be interesting to see league-wide numbers. 

14 hours ago, Squirrel said:

Things in Fort Myers are just plain expensive this year. You may have to go further out. Because of the hurricane and the destruction of Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel and places near there, many residents are still displaced who are now renting many places that would go to monthly visitors in ‘normal’ times. And there is such a high demand still for construction workers and related subcontractor work, it’s been a slow process getting homes and condos back to habitable. My Mom’s place went through a remediation process that was just completed a few weeks ago and now begins reconstruction. In turn, there then has seen a higher need for hotel rooms since the usual condo rental market is tight. It’s the basic concept of ‘supply and demand’ at play here this year. You may have to go further away to find a rental or hotel within the range you mentioned.

Thankyou for info @Squirrel.  I really appreciate it.  Makes sence.  I feel blessed to be able to go.  

On 3/1/2023 at 6:37 PM, Twinkies are for eating said:

Starting pitching for our staff will still only average 4.5 innings per start.

The MLB average innings for a starter last year was only 5.2.