Something is wrong with Frankie

by Fan Since 1981 on Aug 18, 2007 9:02 AM PDT Comment 13 comments

I don't know if he is pitching hurt or is losing something, but his "stuff" hasn't been the same for about the last month. Specifically:

His control is poor and he is lacking command of his fastball. Post all-star BB/9 of 5.54 vs career ratio of 3.8 The velocity of the fastball also is off as he doesn't appear to be blowing it by hitters.
More alarming is that the slider has lost its bite. Frankie used to throw two great sliders; one which buckled hitters knees and he threw for a strike, the other being the one with exceptionally late break such that it looked like a fastball as it approched the plate but then would suddenly drop. Now, his slider appears to be rolling/hanging more than usual or he's bouncing it.
The stats: opponents had never hit even .200 against Frankie in previous seasons but are hitting .220 post-all star, with a WHIP of 1.46 vs. career marks of .185/1.08

I know I am nit-picking over a small sample size and that I'm coming off as an alarmist, but he hasn't appeared as overpowering/dominating as he has in the past.

Check out the blazing fastball and absolutely filthy slider in the video highlights from his 42nd save Sept.14 and his 47th save Sept.30. Again, it's all observational, but Frankie hasn't been showing that stuff recently.

http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/multimedia/tp_archive.jsp?c_id=ana&ym=200609

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The only thing wrong is his pregame routine ...

He's like Percival-lite ... Percy used to amp up on like 12 cups of coffee before coming in. I don't know what Frankie is drinking, but right before he comes in, he drinks a cup of something and I'm pretty sure it ain't water.

So when he comes in, he's already amped up and then he over-throws his pitches (throws too hard for the uninitiated). 2-3 batters in, (after we've taken our nitro to restart our hearts) he finally calms down and gets his pitches in and shuts it down.

"And the Anaheim Angels are the Champions of Baseball!"

by Grichfan on Aug 18, 2007 9:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

K-Rod

He's not really been getting a lot of work lately. My impression is his workload has not been as heavy recently and may be a little rusty due to it. He mentioned something to this effect in the LA Times a few days ago.

Perhaps just a small blip and nothing to be THAT concerned about, or maybe he's hurt. But I'd bet the former.

by SactoFan on Aug 18, 2007 9:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wha? Relievers need work?

I seem to recall some serious disagreement around here over this idea.

by Stirrups on Aug 18, 2007 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think thats it

K-Rod seems to have trouble with his control when he's not getting regular work. When he's having control problems, he can't throw his super-filthy stuff because he's got to get something over the plate.

If I went to war and could only take one weapon, it would be an HK47.

by RallyMonkey5 on Aug 18, 2007 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Hoping Ervin Santana turns it around in Salt Lake. Go, Ervin!

by scareduck on Aug 18, 2007 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

On Point Sacto

If he was hurt, he would not have the velocity on his fastball. The Halso have been through some streeches where he was not needed (losses and vitories by wide margins).

I am in the "rusty" camp.

It is way overdue Arte. #5 needs to be retired by the Angels.

by BrianDowningFan on Aug 18, 2007 10:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs