Tommy Hanson

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:34 am

Lucky me got to attend the major league debut of Tommy Hanson. Great seats, just in the shade, but close enough to the field just behind the visitors on-deck circle to be heard....clearly. Sweet seats to enjoy my $5.50 hot dog and $7.00 beers.

The results speak for themselves, but I did note a few things. For those that are interested, TH was helped out when the first batter he faced in an official MLB game was future (high school) hall of famer Craig Counsel. The defensed him as though he would not catch up to the heat and he damn near fooled them. He hit a fly ball down the right-field line that hung up just enough for Francoeur to catch up to it. After a Hardy foul-out, Braun hit a weak grounder to third. First inning, no real sweat.

Didn't have to wait too long for the first K...Fielder. One thing of note, Hanson was all into the game. David Ross was catching and had to go get the ball from him for his trophy rack. Hanson was getting ready to toe the rubber to face Cameron without consideration that the ball was now "special". It was good to see it was the game and not minor personal milestones on his mind. Ross handed the ball, btw, to the ball boy who was nanoseconds from just cluelessly tossing it into the bucket with the other balls when the dugout got his attention.

The second and third K's came in the second too. The ump blew what should have been the second K to Cameron on what should have been a called strike-three. No prob. He just blew heat, and Cameron went down swinging on the next pitch. As a matter of fact, TH had a perfect game through three and a third, a record held by many. Escobar booted a dribbler to allow the first baserunner, and Braun provided the first hit off Hanson, a solid homer. Hanson would eventually give up three two run homers, which is the bad news, but the AB that really hacked me off was when Parra doubled over a pulled in Francoeur. That was a true "mistake".

For those of you who have Hanson (I wish I did), here is the good news. His control is excellent. Was around the plate all day with confidence. Never looked lost. If you can believe the scoreboard speed-gun, he was zipping them in there 94-95 MPH with movement early, 91-92 MPH a little later in the game. The breaking and off speed stuff was mid-to high 70's and with the exception of Braun, most of the Brewers were really off balance most of the day by the movement and change in speeds. He never appeared rattled, only a little tired in the sixth. I like his motion. Hooks his wrist at the top of his motion which I think makes his fast ball a little faster with a little peek-a-boo effect. Needs to do it on every pitch or he will be tipping. Not good results today, but the kid has moxy. After the Cameron HR in the sixth, he came back and K'd Gamel on something like five pitches.

Other notes:

Mike Cameron, a good defensive OFer, totally misplayed Chippers triple. Could not make up his mind to dive or to take the bounce, so he did half of both. The ball scooted under his glove. Braun was either late to the scene or cut the angle too close on the back-up as both ended up chasing the ball to the wall.

Chipper Jones cannot run. On that "triple", he took so much time that I thought for a moment he stopped at second base to refresh his dip, call a cab, proposition (unsuccessfully) a hooker, and stop off at the Kwiky-Mart for a beef and cheese burrito.

Chipper had a couple of easy chances at third, but looked to me like he was "saving" his arm. Not a lot of zip on the balls.

Did not like Escobar's error on the Hardy dribbler. Not the easiest of plays, but one he should have made. Tried to barehand the ball and came up with turf.

Chipper Jones can hit. On his second home-run, Parra had him fooled on the pitch. Chipper was determined to swing on a 3-1 pitch, but ended up off-balance and had to lunge. That pitch went over the wall in left-center purely on the the strength of a wrist flick.

No one else on the Braves team can hit. To those who have Francoeur, he is TOTALLY lost. On the fourth pitch of his first AB, he hit a 60 foot dribbler to the pitcher. He saw a total of four more pitches in his next three AB spraying the ball around...ground out first pitch to 2B, ground out first pitch to SS, and ground out double play second pitch to 3B. Swinging at stuff above the letters and in the dirt. He should be in the minors.

Martin Prado will never produce more than singles or a few doubles, but he can play the field. Never played much first, but on Cameron's pick-off/caught stealing, he came inside the bag to take O'Flaherty's throw in order to have a clear line to throw to the SS who was covering on the play, like a seasoned vet.

Counsell's triple late in the game was an out. The throw came in high, but Jones got the tag down. Ump totally blew the call. Thank goodness the run didn't score.

Anyway, that is just what I was able to notice.

[ June 08, 2009, 06:43 AM: Message edited by: Edwards Kings ]

751542 · Post by **751542** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:57 am

i watched the game as well and you offered even more insight...thanks for the time...can you send me ur email...jules wants me to forward something to you...RT

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 3:44 am

Originally posted by RoundTrippers:

i watched the game as well and you offered even more insight...thanks for the time...can you send me ur email...jules wants me to forward something to you...RT Glad you liked it. I PM'd you my email.

Cooperstown · Post by **Cooperstown** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:40 am

Wayne,

Nothing on Kelly Johnson?

My number 1 big bust pick of the year.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:55 am

Sorry, Coops. About the best thing I can say about Johnson at the plate yesterday was that he took a few more pitches than Francoeur and at least got one can of corn out of the infield. He did try to bunt his way on, which was a good idea as Gamel was playing back. However, the pitch was high and away and the bunt went back to the pitcher on the first base side. Pretty weak effort I am afraid.

NorCalAtlFan · Post by **NorCalAtlFan** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:02 am

I didn't buy the Francouer preseason hype that he had transformed himself into a passable major league hitter, and watching him day in day out, I would venture a guess that he has regressed!! Which is astonishing.

At this point, a change of scenery is best for all involved.

RedRyder · Post by **RedRyder** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 9:02 am

Originally posted by RoundTrippers:

i watched the game as well and you offered even more insight...thanks for the time...can you send me ur email...jules wants me to forward something to you...RT

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 9:32 am

Originally posted by RedRyder:

quote:Originally posted by RoundTrippers:

i watched the game as well and you offered even more insight...thanks for the time...can you send me ur email...jules wants me to forward something to you...RT

[/QUOTE]Got the email. NOW I know what eye candy is!

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:06 pm

FWIW, i was flipping channels 2nit and came upon the baltimore/brave game so i watched an inning of tommy hanson pitch. first time i had seen him.

stuff looked okay, but the thing that is going to KILL him in the majors is pitching from the stretch. he takes WAY too long. he will be known as Chris Young #2. guy is going to get a lot of SB against.

after seeing him pitch, he seems way more hype than substance.

DiamondKing · Post by **DiamondKing** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:23 pm

I do not know why scouts go to game after game when all you have to do is watch an inning.You would make Marge Schott proud.This just in,The kid is good.

[ June 12, 2009, 09:25 PM: Message edited by: DiamondKing ]

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:26 pm

Originally posted by DiamondKing:

I do not know why scouts go to game after game when all you have to do is watch an inning.You would make Marge Schott proud.This just in,The kid is good. i haven't seen anything good so far. blown up in both his starts. numbers have sucked. the one inning i watched wasn't very good either.

if you can't see the hitch in his delivery from the stretch, u may need a visit to the eye doctor.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:33 pm

I had seen enough of both ATL, Hanson, and BAL to know I had the ingredients to make my first decent bet of the MLB season!

Placed Description Win / Loss Balance

06/12/2009 by ONLINE at 11:33 AM [#58481822] STRAIGHT BET (Risking: 400.00 - To Win: 312.50)

06/12/2009 - 04:15 PM MLB [965] ATL BRAVES -128

( ACTION )

Score: ATL BRAVES(7) - BAL O`S(2) WIN

312.50 724.05

[ June 12, 2009, 09:33 PM: Message edited by: sportsbettingman ]

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:38 pm

you shoulda doubled down on Hochevar!! GrEaT game by a (once) highly touted pitcher. 15 groundball outs!!

DiamondKing · Post by **DiamondKing** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:44 pm

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko II:

quote:Originally posted by DiamondKing:

I do not know why scouts go to game after game when all you have to do is watch an inning.You would make Marge Schott proud.This just in,The kid is good. i haven't seen anything good so far. blown up in both his starts. numbers have sucked. the one inning i watched wasn't very good either.

if you can't see the hitch in his delivery from the stretch, u may need a visit to the eye doctor. [/QUOTE]After all these years I finally figure out why you are strictly a numbers guy.I think a kid named Lincecum had a few starts look just like this when he was called up midseason.It is OK though put a post on another thread calling him a future all star and lean on the one that turns out correct in the future

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:51 pm

Originally posted by DiamondKing:

After all these years I finally figure out why you are strictly a numbers guy.I think a kid named Lincecum had a few starts look just like this when he was called up midseason.It is OK though put a post on another thread calling him a future all star and lean on the one that turns out correct in the future yep, #'s cut through the BS. right now hanson is the BS

i expect him to mow down the reds next week. if he doesn't,

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:24 am

Well, in my lottery for Braves tickets I ended up with a SWEEET set for Sundays Braves/BoSox game. And guess who (barring weather set backs...knock on wood) is scheduled to pitch on Sunday? Hanson.

I watched a good bit of the game last night and man did Hanson have the Yanks number. But Mark is right about him pitching from the stretch. The stolen bases flow on him. He is so concerned about it, that is where all the walks (at least four of them) come from. As soon as a runner is on base, the pitch count goes up, which is not so unusual. But Hanson also likes to pitch his own game. What I mean by that is his motion is big and slow to develop. When a runner is one base, you can bet McCann (Cox) is calling for a 95 mph heater. But Hanson waived off McCann several times and most ususally a breaking ball would result. Now, the breaking ball is great, but the advantage of the extreme change in speed (mid-90's heat to high-70's, low-80's breaking ball) plus the slow pitching motion really gives the runners the edge.

One of the walks was a gift as the ump had been giving the inside pitch all night (and below the knees at least to Wang), but when Hanson FROZE Jeter on a knee-buckling, inside fastball right to McCann's glove, EVERYONE was surprised (including Jeter) that the ump did not ring it up.

And thank goodness for Posada...Hanson had four K's and three-fourths of Posada's golden sombrero were contributed by Hanson. BTW, ARod looks really bad at the plate right now. REALLY bad. Jeter, Tex and Cano are really carrying that team right now.

[ June 24, 2009, 02:27 PM: Message edited by: Edwards Kings ]

DiamondKing · Post by **DiamondKing** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:01 am

Originally posted by DiamondKing:

quote:Originally posted by Gordon Gekko II:

quote:Originally posted by DiamondKing:

I do not know why scouts go to game after game when all you have to do is watch an inning.You would make Marge Schott proud.This just in,The kid is good. i haven't seen anything good so far. blown up in both his starts. numbers have sucked. the one inning i watched wasn't very good either.

if you can't see the hitch in his delivery from the stretch, u may need a visit to the eye doctor. [/QUOTE]After all these years I finally figure out why you are strictly a numbers guy.I think a kid named Lincecum had a few starts look just like this when he was called up midseason.It is OK though put a post on another thread calling him a future all star and lean on the one that turns out correct in the future [/QUOTE]Sure hope you started that other thread Mark.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:12 am

Originally posted by DiamondKing:

Sure hope you started that other thread Mark. hanson is a bum.

29 IP

17 BB

18 K

those numbers predict a horrible future. he's getting by on luck, which still counts. however, luck eventually runs out. jordan zimmerman is a much better pitcher. again, sorry for bursting your bubble.

DiamondKing · Post by **DiamondKing** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:20 am

It takes a big man to admit he is never wrong.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:23 am

Originally posted by DiamondKing:

It takes a big man to admit he is never wrong. are you a big one or a little one?

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:23 am

Originally posted by DiamondKing:

It takes a big man to admit he is never wrong. btw, i'm wrong on a lot of players. hanson is not one of them. his numbers say he is a bum this year. sorry

DiamondKing · Post by **DiamondKing** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:35 am

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko II:

quote:Originally posted by DiamondKing:

It takes a big man to admit he is never wrong. btw, i'm wrong on a lot of players. hanson is not one of them. his numbers say he is a bum this year. sorry [/QUOTE]Gee,when I pick up a bum he gets lit up like a christmas tree.This guy is working on 17+ scoreless innings against some pretty good hitting teams.Seems to me he figured out pretty quickly that Major League players do not go for the nasty breaking stuff off the plate.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:42 am

Originally posted by DiamondKing:

quote:Originally posted by Gordon Gekko II:

quote:Originally posted by DiamondKing:

It takes a big man to admit he is never wrong. btw, i'm wrong on a lot of players. hanson is not one of them. his numbers say he is a bum this year. sorry [/QUOTE]Gee,when I pick up a bum he gets lit up like a christmas tree.This guy is working on 17+ scoreless innings against some pretty good hitting teams.Seems to me he figured out pretty quickly that Major League players do not go for the nasty breaking stuff off the plate. [/QUOTE]listen - if you look for pitchers that accumulate these kind of foundation stats, GO FOR IT:

29 IP

17 BB

18 K

i don't care what you think he's figured out. his foundation numbers suck up till this point. he's been lucky and that's all. sorry.

Gordon Gekko II · Post by **Gordon Gekko II** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 12:35 pm

and PS, i do own him in one league

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 12:54 pm

Bum? Lucky? A Braves pitcher "lucky"? Dude, he has just rung up 20.0 consecutive scorless innings including in places like the Yard, and Great American, and versus the NY Yankees and the Boston RedSox.

He two hit Boston through six innings. He allowed all of one walk (to Youkilis...remember him, the "Greek God of Walks"?) and no hits through three. Second and third times through the order, he allows two hits and one walk. One hit was a Texas Leaguer over short and the other an excuse me single by Ortiz. One ball, the only hard hit ball against him, took Francoeur to the the warning track, but the team with the second best record in baseball (playing in the AL East rather than the weak NL West) could get NOTHING off him.

My only knock on the game today for Hanson was he had Ortiz and Varitek 0-2 in the fourth and couldn't put them away. And his K rate was down, while throwing 97 pitches through six. But boy that is being picky. He throws mid-90's heat with off-speed stuff in the high-70's, low-80's.

Is he going to get hit some day? Of course. Even Maddux and Smoltz had off days, but this kid is for real. The numbers do not lie, but they also don't always tell the whole truth.

[ June 28, 2009, 06:55 PM: Message edited by: Edwards Kings ]