OAK @ TB 5/18/09

TB 13 OAK 4

Jeff Niemann RHP Rays 8IP 8H 4R 3ER 3K
He is a 6'9" pitcher that throws on a great downward plane. He mixes four pitches, but isn't the power Strikeout pitcher you might expect from looking at him. He throws a FB(89-94) that is Above average and gets some good two seam movement; CB(72-77) is a solid 12-6 breaking pitch; SL(80-82) is average; SPLT(83) is average and uses to lefties. His lack of a true Plus off speed offering is probably the reason why he doesn't have high strike out numbers. With a large lead he threw FB exclusively. He profiles as a middle to back of the rotation starter (#3 or 4) with average command.

Sean Gallagher RHP A's 2.1IP 3H 9R 7ER 5BB 1K
He had trouble locating his offspeed pitches and was overall very unimpressive. His FB(89-92) is average to above average; SL(86-87) is average; CB(72-74) is average and CH(79-83) is a show me pitch to lefties. He is a 5th starter/AAA guy for me.

Gio Gonzalez LHP A's 3.2IP 6H 4ER 3BB 6K
He works with three pitches. FB(88-93) is average to above average; CH(83-85) is average and is a solid pitch to keep RH Hitters honest; CB(76-79) is an 11-5 breaking pitch and is an average offering. He is a solid lefty that is best suited for the pen. He can be figured out a second time through the lineup.