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Sunday, April 15, 2007

L.A. Daily News: A scary dropoff for L.A.

Speaking of Wreck-O-Cut tonearms…Jason Schmidt.

For eight weeks, Dodgers officials had tried to convince everyone - and by extension, to convince themselves - that the dramatic dropoff in Jason Schmidt’s velocity was no cause for alarm.

For eight weeks, Schmidt himself had insisted that he wasn’t even paying attention, that there were more productive ways for a veteran pitcher to apply his mental energy than by concerning himself with some ambiguous digital readout.

But on Saturday night, it became painfully clear that the issue could no longer be ignored. Not by the Dodgers, and not by Schmidt.

...Both Giles’ and Kouzmanoff’s homers came on the first pitch, an obvious sign that Schmidt’s pitches had little on them. Not a single Schmidt delivery registered higher than 87 mph on the pitch-speed display board in left field.

Repoz Posted: April 15, 2007 at 12:04 PM | 13 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: dodgers

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1. 3Com Park Posted: April 15, 2007 at 12:52 PM (#2335397)

This should not be a shock to Ned Coletti. Schmidt's velocity had already dropped significantly, beginning in 2005, from his great seasons in 2003-2004. Spending $48MM on him was a waste.

2. Bob Dernier Cri

Posted: April 15, 2007 at 01:10 PM (#2335401)

I assumed the headline was about the Angels' play over the last ten days ...

3. Hang down your head, Tom Foley Posted: April 15, 2007 at 01:41 PM (#2335408)

After about 30 pitches last night, Schmidt's fastest was 85 and his slowest was 78.

4. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L)

Posted: April 15, 2007 at 02:20 PM (#2335422)

Well, geez, my heart goes out to Ned...

Off topic: at the beginning of this past offseason, John Gambadoro was polluting the AZ airwaves saying the Dbacks HAD to sign Jason Schmidt and Mark Mulder (two local residents) and give them as much cash as the two of them wanted. 'Cause, you know, you can never have too many proven winners, or too many morons on the radio...

5. Guts

Posted: April 15, 2007 at 06:55 PM (#2335541)

Man, another good non-signing by Jocketty.

6. Crispix Attacks Posted: April 15, 2007 at 07:02 PM (#2335544)

Am I crazy or did I not see a single article during the actual free-agent season about how Schmidt's velocity/stuff was in a steep decline? There was plenty of controversy about Barry Zito, but everyone said "Yep, Maddux is off the Dodgers, but they got Schmidt now, so no problem."

I do think that 20 or more years ago there would have been more awareness that Schmidt's arm wasn't what it once was, and therefore less demand for the Dodgers or anyone else to sign him.

7. Raskolnikov Posted: April 15, 2007 at 07:26 PM (#2335558)

Ned saved Bavasi from a historically bad offseason.

Every offseason, everyone, and that includes BTF people, forgets the inherent risk in signing FA pitchers. But we keep forgetting when the vision of adding a Schmidt to the rotation or Ryan to a bullpen brainwashes our judgement.

8. Justin 'The Cespedobear' T Posted: April 15, 2007 at 07:26 PM (#2335559)

What was his velocity like before tweaking his hammy in his last start? If his legs aren't working, he should be sat down, but it wouldn't be unrealistic to expect him to become effective again.

9. Francoeur Sans Gages (AlouGoodbye) Posted: April 15, 2007 at 07:30 PM (#2335562)

Schmidt's velocity has been up and down the past two years, but he's remained very effective. This is the start of the season, he's been struggling with injury, I don't think you can read too much into it.

10. Darren

Posted: April 15, 2007 at 07:44 PM (#2335571)

Am I crazy or did I not see a single article during the actual free-agent season about how Schmidt's velocity/stuff was in a steep decline?

You're crazy. Dan S's TO included this caveat:

As long as the Dodgers realize that they're getting merely a solid, above-average pitcher rather than the Schmidt of a few years ago, they won't be disappointed.

I also remember others saying that the Schmidt signing was good because it was only 3 years (compared to other contracts), but they he wasn't what he used to be.

11. Vaux, A.B.D. Posted: April 15, 2007 at 09:50 PM (#2335731)

What he's been so far this year isn't a solid, above-average pitcher, though. If his fastball is going to be 87 mph, he's not going to be one, either.

12. Leroy Kincaid Posted: April 17, 2007 at 01:22 AM (#2336665)

I do think that 20 or more years ago there would have been more awareness that Schmidt's arm wasn't what it once was, and therefore less demand for the Dodgers or anyone else to sign him.

Why would there be less awareness today?

13. phredbird

Posted: April 17, 2007 at 01:45 AM (#2336691)

any L.A. primates here? i live in L.A. now, and sometimes my boss gives me dodger tickets. post here with your email and i will respond.

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Sunday, April 15, 2007

L.A. Daily News: A scary dropoff for L.A.

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