COLLEGE WORLD SERIES
I've found myself watching more of the College World Series this year than ever before. I never really was that interested in the college game, but maybe I am now that I am a part of it. Anyway, what really surprised me is how many pitchers in the College World Series did not throw all that hard.

I watched Miami and Cal State Fullerton yesterday and each team started a lefty. Miami's starter was J.D. COCKROFT, who was 9-4 entering the game last night. He lived with his fastball at about 78-81. For those of you who don't know, you can probably go check out an American Legion game or a local high school game and find somebody that throws 78-81. Odds are somebody in your household right now can throw 78-81. Still, this guy was effective enough to start at one of the top Division 1 baseball programs in the country and compile good numbers. Cal State Fullerton's lefty, RICKY ROMERO was throwing from about 80-83. With the win last night Romero improved his record to 13-4. Cockroft was drafted with the 771st pick this year by Texas.

The point I'm getting is that there is this myth that every professional pitcher and major Division 1 pitcher throws 90+ gas. It's simply not true. Even a lot of the right-handers in the College World Series are throwing about 83-86 consistently. Pitching is about changing speeds and locating, not just blowing people away. Very few people can just throw their fastball by hitters consistently.