I personally wasn’t worried about CC, just frustrated that when the rest of the Yankee starters were doing well that their best starter got his ass kicked.

I’ve been worried about CC because I thought his velocity was way down from last year.  If it’s just an early season thing then it’s not a big deal.

And yeah, it was frustrating to watch him pitch like that yesterday although you can’t help but think things would have been different if Nun-E didn’t make that error.  And yeah, technically it wasn’t Nun-E, but he’s hitting like him right now.

But don’t pitchers generally see a steady decline in their velocity as they age?  And as it is gradual, the best ones adjust their game around their strengths and become “crafty” and use their control more (e.g., Battle Cat)  It’s not like CC is 24 and went from throwing 98 last year to 91 this year.

And, as you posted, the numbers (outside of an odd HR rate increase) don’t really reflect a worse pitcher.

But don’t pitchers generally see a steady decline in their velocity as they age?

I think Mike Fast did research that showed 2 mph is worth about 0.4 runs of ERA for a starting pitcher.  That’s why I was concerned about him dropping by so much.

When comparing full season 2011 velocity to 2012 so far velocity it looks like much more than a gradual decrease (1.6 mph).  Knowing that he’s actually only down .7 mph from last year over the same rough time period is a bit more reassuring to me.

And as it is gradual, the best ones adjust their game around their strengths and become “crafty” and use their control more (e.g., Battle Cat)

Seems like the increased used of the slider might be evidence of an adjustment.

I have felt some “oomph” missing since he was brought out after that SECOND rain delay in last eyrs game agaisnt Seattle. Afte rthe first rain delay eh was still thoinga no hitter, so I understood that one.  The second one made no sense to me - and then he walked 3 guys in a row…I hope I am not dreaming this, but it seemed to me that right after that game he was not the same.

I thought the same thing, but it doesn’t seem like a velocity issue.

Average fastball from 3/31/2011 - 7/26/2011: 93.5
Average fastball since: 93.2

Seems like he’s been a lot more hittable since then though.

3/31/2011 - 7/26/2011: 168.2 IP, 143 H, 6 HR, 45 BB, 156 K, .287 BABIP
Since: 154 IP, 168 H, 21 HR, 40 BB, 160 K, .345 BABIP

He’s giving up more hits and HRs, even though his other peripherals are pretty close.  I don’t think he’s just been unlucky.  I think he’s been pitching worse, but that could just be confirmation bias.

higher BABIP and more HRs. not a good combo. Unless you are a hitter.

Cervello is better at framing pitches out of the HR zone.

Can I still worry about Hughes?