Consider this your annual “Relax, spring training results are meaningless, Pitcher X will be fine” post.
Today, Pitcher X is Zack Greinke, who had some control problems today against the Chicago White Sox. He was only able to get through 1 1/3 innings before hitting his pitch limit for the day. He got himself into a bases-loaded jam in the first inning thanks to a single by Lastings Milledge and walks to Adam Dunn and Mark Teahen. He was able to work out of the jam thanks to two strikeouts, but walked another batter in the second inning.
Since MLB.com GameDay isn’t fully functional during spring training, we have to rely on those actually at the game for details on the outing. Tom Haudricourt says that Greinke was working mostly in the 92-93 range with his fastball, hitting as high as 96. The good news is that Greinke seems to know why he was so erratic today, and also said that he was experimenting with a new grip for his curveball — something you’ll see in spring games.
The Brewers did end up beating the White Sox, 3-1, but again the best part of the day was a quote. This time, it was from Greinke himself. Does he want to be the starter on Opening Day in Cincinnati?
“Everyone wants to pitch opening day. Whatever is decided, it’s not like anyone will cry.”
Fantastic.
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