7/25 GDT: Atlanta Braves (47-51) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (57-42)

[UNCBlue012]

Travelling for work so couldn't watch the game but the clips I've seen have foltys fastball moving like crazy in the high 90s.

Has there been any talks about him using a different grip this year?

I don't know, but something is going on because the guy is maturing in front of our eyes.

[thewupk]

I don't know, but something is going on because the guy is maturing in front of our eyes.

you could say he's becoming the ace of the staff?

[50PoundHead]

Only thing about Foltynewicz that bugs me is pitch count. 119 in 6 IP. He's got it going and he could be a real horse moving forward, but these long innings will take their toll. But there's no question he has really stepped it up and is someone we can build around. I hope Newcomb can take a similar path next season.

[bravesfanMatt]

Only thing about Foltynewicz that bugs me is pitch count. 119 in 6 IP. He's got it going and he could be a real horse moving forward, but these long innings will take their toll. But there's no question he has really stepped it up and is someone we can build around. I hope Newcomb can take a similar path next season.

I think he will always be a high pitch count guy, but I think he is learning sequencing and command still and will start to be a bit more efficient. It seemed clear to me that Folty probably had his C game last night and still looked great.. If last night would have happened early last year, He would have been gone by the 3rd giving up 7 runs.

[UNCBlue012]

you could say he's becoming the ace of the staff?

Well... that's not exactly impressive considering what we throw out there. lol

But he's been awesome. I would love to see less of the 5-6 run games that he almost always has... but aside from that, he's been awesome.

[thethe]

Only thing about Foltynewicz that bugs me is pitch count. 119 in 6 IP. He's got it going and he could be a real horse moving forward, but these long innings will take their toll. But there's no question he has really stepped it up and is someone we can build around. I hope Newcomb can take a similar path next season.

Probably won't click for newk until 2019.

[Enscheff]

Well... that's not exactly impressive considering what we throw out there. lol

But he's been awesome. I would love to see less of the 5-6 run games that he almost always has... but aside from that, he's been awesome.

He almost always has?

He has given up 3 ER or fewer in 16 of his 19 starts.

[Enscheff]

Probably won't click for newk until 2019.

Yeah, he will be a nice BP arm by then for sure.

[Julio3000]

Yeah, I've really been impressed with his progress. Like a lot of folks, I've gone from thinking "****, here we go..." when he gets in a jam to feeling confident that he'll keep it together and make pitch. It's a good object lesson for why we shouldn't get too bent about the young guys and their growing pains.

[bravesfanMatt]

Probably won't click for newk until 2019.

Newk will have a better sophomore year than Foltys. I fully expect him to click mid season 2018.

[Enscheff]

show the data or it didn't happen.

Sure thing...

Top-Left chart shows the movement of his SI vs his FA. Notice how his previous start vs LA the SI and FA were only separated by a couple inches and the plots overlapped?

http://www.fangraphs.com/pitchfxg.as...0&dh=0&data=pi

Now look at last night, his SI had much more horizontal movement than his FA, several over 10".

http://www.fangraphs.com/pitchfxg.as...5&dh=0&data=pi

[Enscheff]

Yeah, I've really been impressed with his progress. Like a lot of folks, I've gone from thinking "****, here we go..." when he gets in a jam to feeling confident that he'll keep it together and make pitch. It's a good object lesson for why we shouldn't get too bent about the young guys and their growing pains.

When these other young struggling pitchers are throwing 98+ after 110 pitches, I'll be a little more forgiving when they struggle.

Until then, I'll continue to assume young pitchers with mediocre stuff that struggle will continue to struggle.

[TheBravos]

Newk is up for good. Unless he absolutely tanks, they will give him until this time next year to learn. Wisler and Blair need to find a new home. I would like to see what Sims can do, and I would rather see how he does this year (when it doesn't matter), as opposed to next year. Although they will probably call Medlen next (of give Blair or Wisler their 98th chance).

[CyYoung31]

When these other young struggling pitchers are throwing 98+ after 110 pitches, I'll be a little more forgiving when they struggle.

Until then, I'll continue to assume young pitchers with mediocre stuff that struggle will continue to struggle.

You do you.

[Tapate50]

Sure thing...

Top-Left chart shows the movement of his SI vs his FA. Notice how his previous start vs LA the SI and FA were only separated by a couple inches and the plots overlapped?

http://www.fangraphs.com/pitchfxg.as...0&dh=0&data=pi

Now look at last night, his SI had much more horizontal movement than his FA, several over 10".

http://www.fangraphs.com/pitchfxg.as...5&dh=0&data=pi

I couldn't have been less serious.

[Enscheff]

His last "slider" was 92. He threw a bunch above 90. Is that a new pitch?

Statcast classified a bunch of those harder flatter sliders as a cutter.

Not sure if that's a new pitch or not tho.