Should We Worry About Striker Buehler?

Note: For the record, I do not like the name WALKER – I think it is a horrible name for a pitcher. I have offered to pay the court fees to legally change his name to Striker Buehler! It’s a much more fitting name.

Well, I do think it’s appropriate to worry about any pitcher because throwing is an unnatural motion that has the capability of injuring the arm and/or shoulder. This is also a free country and you are free to have your own opinions… and you are free to worry all day and all night long, but you are not entitled to your own facts. According to BaseballSavant.com, here are Walker Buehler’s stats, including average fastball speed for the entire year.

• 2018 – 96.2 MPH -2.62 ERA – 137 IP
• 2019 – 96.5 MPH – 3.26 ERA – 182 IP
• 2020 – 96.8 MPH – 3.44 ERA – 36 IP (COVID)
• 2021 – 95.3 MPH – 2.47 ERA – 207 IP

So, Buehler’s velocity was down 1.5 MPH in a season where he pitched 207 innings versus the year before when he only pitched 36 innings, however, his ERA dropped a FULL RUN! Now, if you are trying to compare last season’s fastball velocity to what you saw yesterday, you are being silly. Walker Buehler logged 9.2 innings (THAT’S 9.2 INNINGS!) this spring training and expecting him to throw faster than he is in his first start is not very intelligent. Walker did throw about a half dozen pitches over 95 MPH yesterday.

Over the past year or so, other blogs have questioned Walker’s velocity drop and frankly, I think the questioning is due to pure inexperience with the Science of Pitching. Any good pitcher should realize that getting outs is dramatically more important than what the radar gun says your velocity might be. In 2019, Walker said that he threw “every fastball as hard as I can.” That was then. This is now. For the uninitiated, Walker Buehler has six pitches, including three different fastballs. The fastballs are different to the extent of how he grips them AND (here’s the big one) how hard he throws them, BECAUSE HE THROWS EACH ONE DIFFERENTLY!

He said last year that he changed the way he pitched for the good of the team. As Fallito wisely said yesterday, it’s better to have Buehler for 30+ starts, who averages 95 MPH than deGrom for 10 starts at 99 MPH. Most of the max velocity guys are relievers because they don’t last long as starters. Buehler has made a conscious effort not to be that max-effort guy and guess what? He’s a better pitcher as his ERA dropped a full point! Some fans dig that velocity, but I put 10X more stock in longevity, durability, and ERA! Thank you very much!

Worry about Striker Buehler all you want. Develop an ulcer. I don’t care. But as for me, I just realize Walker Buehler is a much better pitcher right about now than he was two years ago. In his next few starts, his velocity will tick up and you will see him hit 97… maybe 98 MPH occasionally, but if you expect him to ever be that guy again, you might end up with fifteen ulcers! Not being a max-effort guy with every fastball will keep Striker on the field a lot more frequently. Keep on doing what you are doing, Striker!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p1MbykSFEY

Dodger News & Notes

• It’s a shame that Victor Gonzalez is having elbow pain (I always take elbow soreness seriously). Hopefully, he can be back in early May. He worked so hard to lose weight and get into shape. I feel for him!
• Ferguson and Kahnle are also likely to be ready by May. The Dodgers have the luxury of not rushing them and they also want to have time to evaluate whether Evan Phillips is worthy of a spot, as he has no options left. If they send him down, he will get nabbed!
• It was a nice start to what is looming to be a great season… but they can do better!
• If Tony Gonsolin can throw about 5 innings tonight, his confidence will soar and he needs just that!
• I am extremely happy for Gavin Lux – hopefully, this builds up his confidence. What a difference-maker he can be… especially if he learns how to slide. 😉
• I am not going to analyze Cody Bellinger every day. It’s silly. I’ll address his progress (or lack thereof) on May 1st!
• If you have not been there, you should check out Jeff Dominique’s site: www.LAdodgerChronicles.com .

Minor League News

• The Dodgers’ four minor-league teams could all be the best in their leagues… but they have to play the games anyway!
• Beau Burrows @ OKC- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
• Miguel Vargas @ OKC – 2-5 with his first AAA HR
• Phil Bickford @ OKC – 1 IP in relief
• Andy Pages @ Tulsa – 2-3 with a double and 3 RBI to go with 2 BB
• Jacob Amaya @ Tulsa – 2-5 (good to see)
• Gus Varland @ Tulsa – 4.1 IP, 0 R, 5 K (4 BB)
• Ismael Alcantara @ GL – 2-4 with a HR (the rest of the Loons had one hit – COMBINED!
• Hyu- ilChoi @ GL – 3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 K’s
• Diego Cartaya @ RC – 1-5 with his 1st HR
• All the minor league clubs are now in full play mode.