There were a few positive things to take away from Jonathan Sanchez’s 80–pitch, three-inning start last night. He struck out seven, but I’m more impressed with how he struck them out. According to the TV radar gun, he struck out four on fastballs at 94 MPH, 92, 91 and 91. The last two were looking, with beautiful locations. Fastball location is important, even though Sanchez is deceptive enough to blow high fastballs past some hitters. (But not Chris Snyder — he hit a letter-high pitch about 2/3 up the bleachers.)
Two Ks came on sliders, swinging. That’s an excellent sign, as Sanchez’s off-speed stuff has taken longer to develop. (The last K came on Webb’s failed bunt attempt.)
Congratulations to Erick Threets on his big-league debut. Let’s hope Threets, Dan Giese, and Pat Misch get more appearances so we don’t have to suffer through more Scott Munter sightings. Grant has summed up the Munter Folly quite nicely here.
PLODAG: Nate Schierholtz for getting an RBI single and stealing a base off the reigning NL Cy Young winner.
