First-pitch strikes

you list numbers for AFTER strike one and AFTER ball one. But you need to include what happens if the ball is put in play (ie 0-0 count)

Unfortunately too many people use control and command interchangeably and I've said it before but Sharksrog I think you focus way too much on the tangible numbers (i.e. first pitch strikes and walks). Maybe his control (first pitch strikes) is improving but that doesn't mean his command of the strike zone is improving.

Lincecum does not, to this point in his career, have a command pitch, a pitch he can go to and consistently put the ball where he wants. The walk total and first pitch strikes are indicators as are his ratio fluctuations (please don't argue he pitches to flyballs at times, IMO no pitcher does this, but even more to the point, he doesn't have to command to do so). Until he finds his command pitch, IMO, regardless of walk totals/first pitch strikes, his performances are going to vary greatly in their quality - quality being a relative term considering the talent level.

Dynamic balance right now is the Achilles Heal of Lincecum.

You make several good points above, including that control and command are two related but different animals and that Tim doesn't at this point have a go-to command pitch. He may have as many as FOUR go-to stuff pitches, but nary a single go-to command pitch.

And Tim DOESN'T pitch to fly balls or ground balls, just as you state. When he gets the ball up, he gets lots of strikeouts, fly balls and often hits. When he keeps it down, he gets more ground balls and not quite as many strikeouts -- but not many hits and almost on power hits.

IMO the Giants didn't do Tim any favors over the winter when they told him not to throw much. They were looking out for his best interests, of course, but I would have liked to see Tim throwing at something resembling the seven shooting holes young hockey players shoot at using a wooden "goalie." If Tim can hit the holes, he can be as successful as a hockey player who consistently hits the hole at which he is shooting.

I think you have hit on one of the things that makes me so excited about Tim. He has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball WITHOUT having good command -- or even good control. If he develops control, he will easily become an All-Star. If he develops both control AND command, he could become an all-time great.

On the encouraging side is that Tim's walks have been improving and that in his rookie season he actually walked fewer per nine than Sandy Koufax at the same age or either Pedro Martinez or even Greg Maddux in their respective first seasons.

Would you mind again sending your e-mail address to me at sharksrog@aol.com, Husker? I've been out of town and didn't follow up the last time, but I would like to engage in a Lincecum conversation with you. You are one of the few from whom I think I can still learn about Tim.

I don't know how they will be received, but I am interested in sharing your thoughts with Tim's dad, who has taught him pretty much everything he knows about pitching. Tim's dad knows a TON about pitching -- and I think your particular knowledge might make a nice complement to his.