Yo.  Longtime reader and sarcastic & reactionary commenter, second time Fanposter.

In preparation for tomorrow's game against the Bucco's Ian Snell, I thought I'd take a look at Ian Snell's pitch f/x data (Thank You Josh Kalk!) from this year to see what Snell's been throwing.

Here's Ian Snell's 2008 Pitch f/x data.  In 2008, pitch f/x classifies him as a two-pitch pitcher: Fastball and Slider.

Fastball: 69%   Slider: 31%

In 2007, pitch f/x had a change-up registered, but he only threw it 8% of the time.  It would appear he's either phased the Change out of his repertoire or there's not enough difference from his fastball for pitch f/x to register it.  And if the latter is the case, it might explain his downright shit-tastic 2008 (Either that or the walks).

So far this year, Snell has thrown the fastball as his first pitch three-quarters of the time.  If there happens to be anyone reading with access to the players (Westcoastbirdwatcher, I'm e-looking at you, man), please tell them there's a pretty good chance of a first-pitch fastball.  At 1-2, he'll throw the slider 2/3rds of the time, and he'll throw it even more often (3/4ths) on 2-2.   

This is a guy who's become eminently beatable this year, and the Cards have done pretty damn well against him with the bat so far this year, so here's hoping a sweep is in order (8-3 in the 6th after Yadi's 4th hit of the night as I write this...no jinx no jinx no jinx!).  Let me know if I'm mssing anything with the pitch f/x data as I'm a bit of newcomer with it. 

Looking forward to tomorrow's game!