chop, any insight on linescum compared to liriano...?
They are simalier in alot of ways.
Liriano has a fastball that tops out at about 96, Lincecum about 100.
Liriano has a tremendous changup that really keeps hitters offbalanced. I would say he got just as many Ks last season with his changeup as he did his fastball. No telling how many times I saw hitters fall on there ass protecting against his fastball only to swing way ahead of his change.
Lincecum also has a changeup, but not nearly as good as Liriano. Lincecum has the most fun to watch curve ball that you will ever see.
I guess I would compare his curveball to Barry Zito, when Zito is on has A game. It can get up to 7 feet in the air and just drop off as it gets to the plate.
Both pitchers have a less than normal delievery which helps both pitchers fool hitters.
When you see him pitch tonight you are going to marvel at how he is able to get that much juice into his pitches. I have seen him pitch twice.
He may even be smaller than Billy Wagner. I promise you he is no taller than 5' 11" at the most, and with his delievery it seems like he is almost throwing against himself. Then all of a sudden the hitter is faced with 100MPH fastball.
Its going to be fun to watch. The 2 pitchers are pretty close.