The biggest news from yesterdays fake game was that Cecil is suffering from a lack of velocity on his fastball. Not to worry though, nobody thinks it's too big of a deal (although it was covered in literally every single media news outlet that I subscribe to...). So it's not quite time to panic yet, but this is something to keep an eye on going forward I think.
Apparently his low 90's pitches are only clocking in around the mid 80's and he's a bit frustrated. From the Toronto Star:
Anybody in the league can jump on 87 if it’s elevated a little bit," Cecil said disgustedly. The 24-year-old said he’s suffering no pain or tiredness in his arm, but was clearly frustrated at being unable to locate the mechanical cause of the problem. "F---, I’d be happy if my arm hurt, at least I’d know why the f--- the velocity is down," Cecil said.
Yup, just a wee bit frustrated. So, what's the problem? Nobody knows for sure. According to Wilner, everyone has a different idea:
Ricky Romero, with whom Cecil consulted before he came over to talk to the media, suggested that he might be trying to be too fine with the fastball - aiming it, which would lead to a drop in speed. Cecil thinks he might be gripping the ball too hard on the fastball, which would get it out of his hand slightly more slowly. Manager John Farrell thinks that his velocity may simply not be built up the way it will be later in the season.
Sounds like it could just need a small mechanical adjustment. Or maybe it'll just take Cecil a while longer to get going. Regardless, according to Farrell, nothing to worry about:
"There are no physical issues here," Farrell said. "Each side outing, each game that he's entered or come out of, he's felt very good, physically
I don't think this is a huge problem going forward, but diminished velocity could hinder Cecil's effectiveness. It's always a little worrisome when a pitcher loses velocity but hopefully this is a simple mechanical issue that they can figure out within the next couple of weeks.
Rest of your links, after the jump.
Jays Links
Blue Jays' Brett Lawrie prepared to work hard to get callup
Lots of Lawrie quotes regarding his demotion.
John Farrell is somewhat awesome
The Tao of Steib with some love for the Jays manager.
Woodward a Jay again thanks to spring visit
If you were wondering why the Jays signed Chris Woodward, and how the signing came about, here's the story.
Chris Woodward was about to start a new chapter in his life when he dropped by the local ball diamond to look up old friends. Then they asked him to stay and play.
I wonder who the friends were? The only player with the Jays during Woodward's last year (2004) was Jason Frasor. I guess Butterfield was around then too.
The Argument for Kyle Drabek to Start the 2011 Season in the Minors
Jared at Jays Journal makes the case for Drabek to start the year in AAA. This was posted before the news that Morrow was injured, but still worth a read.
New Blood in the Rotation! Celebrate!
It seems as thought he JoJo bandwagon is in full force.
Remembering the forgettable baseball career of NBA great Danny Ainge
Remember this guy? I try not to either...
Around the League
The Parallels Between Brad Emaus and Dan Uggla
Joe Pawlikowski makes a comparison most Jays don't want to see. Not to worry too much:
While Emaus and Uggla present similar cases, it’s obviously silly to think that Emaus will necessarily turn out the same way.
The Problem With Sabermetricians...
Larry Granillo with a baseball version of an XKCD comic.
Reports: Orioles manager Buck Showalter rips Yankees, Red Sox
I think I like this Showalter guy...for now.
Baltimore Orioles 2011
Matthew at Batters Box wants you to remember one thing, the Baltimore Orioles are the enemy. Nice preview.
Chipper Jones' conspiracy theory
Chipper joins the ranks of celebrity conspiracy theorists.