Spring notes - Matt Moore, Pineda, Trout, Feliz, Bard

Matt Moore had terrible command last start and some, including myself, wondered whether he was hurt or sick. While he won't appear in a box score for another 4 or 5 days he did pitch yesterday. He played in a minor league game, I believe because Hellickson was scheduled to go the same day. I think Hellickson would have rather faced the minor league squad.

http://aeryssports.com/cowbell-clankers/rays-winding-down-the-spring-and-gearing-up-for-the-season/

Michael Pineda - There have been quite a few questions about his velocity. The good news is the work on his changeup is progressing. He did come to camp heavier than last year. Many are downplaying the velocity but I think there is reason to be concerned. Last year Pineda was down 4-5mph in the last month. And his arm slot was lowered. Normally when pitchers tire at the end of a season they lose control not velocity. And a change of arm slot often happens when a pitcher is sore or hurt, of course there are other reasons to change arm slot.

Today Pineda was 88-89 in the first inning. In the second inning there were some 88-89 but quite a few 91's as well. In the third he touched 93 once, had four 92's and a couple 91. The majority were still in the 88-89 range (it was about a 30 pitch inning). After 50 pitches his fastball velocity was probably right at 90.

He threw a decent amount of changes and they looked ok but a little hard coming in 5mph less than his fastball. He also threw some cutters at 86 and they were ok. I heard last start he had a really nice cutter going.

Mike Trout - He was ill to begin the camp and now is dealing with shoulder tendinitis so is playing at DH. There is a great article about him on ESPN. The thing I noticed was Eddie Bane gives Trout an 80 power grade. Really? I would love to hear what other scouts grade his power at. Bane also mentioned Trout would have a higher speed grade but grades above 80 just are not given out.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2012/story/_/id/7731678/los-angeles-angels-thinking-big-picture-mike-trout

Neftali Feliz - He was scheduled to go three innings last appearance but could only go two. The Rangers are saying all the right things about how "normal" this is but Feliz had shoulder tightness last time they tried to stretch him out. And he had shoulder "tightness" when as a starter going only 5 innings per start. Further, it seems he had some real problems this spring having consistent command of his secondaries, specifically his curve.

Feliz did throw his bullpen and it appears his shoulder is ok. He is behind the eight ball a little, needing to build up arm strength and get command of his curve. There is a good chance he goes back to the pen.

Daniel Bard - There appears to be a struggle between Cherington and Valentine with both Iglesias and Bard. Last start Bard wouldn't throw his change and focused on results instead of improving his change. Valentine definitely wasn't happy about this. The announcers in todays game are complementing Bard and how much more he has thrown his change today, but so far it's only 4 changeups in 4 innings. Between his change and his poor command there is a good chance Bard is heading back to the pen.