PIT @ MIL 4/29/09

Yovani Gallardo RHP Brewers
This was the third time I've seen him pitch this year and the second one that I've charterd. He went 8 strong Innings striking out 11 and letting up 0 runs on 2 hits. He works primarily off his FB/CB (80% of his pitches thrown) and likes to mix in a SL low and away to Righties and CH to Lefties. His FB (88-92) is average and straight, but he has good command of the pitch and spots it very well. His CB (78-82) is a Plus pitch and he commands it well. It is a classic 12-6 hammer and he's not afraid to throw it in any count. His SL (83-85) is average and has more CB movement than SL. His CH (83-85) is average to below average and he only shows it to LH Hitters. He is an effective starter and projects as a solid #2. He could become a #1 if he can make either his SL or CH (I'd prefer his CH) an above average offering.

Carolos Villanueva RHP Brewers
He looks to be their closer until Trevor Hoffman is ready to close again. His FB (89-90) looked average and straight. He has a solid CH (81-83) that he liked to throw in to righties and kept them off balance with his SL (82-84) and CB(72-75). His SL looked below average because most RH Hitters looked like they could pick it up well and didn't swing at the pitch when it darted out of the zone. He started Adam LaRoche and Brandon Moss (Both LHH) off with his CB and seemed to prefer throwing it to mostly Lefties. Overall he has average stuff but is able to mix his pitches and speeds to get hitters out. On stuff alone I'd say he's an average/below average reliever, but he continues to get big league hitters out.

Ian Snell RHP Pirates
He was by far the toughest pitcher I have charted. His CB and SL look like them same pitch, the only difference is the speed. His FB sat 89-94 topping out at 95. It is an above average pitch. His SL (84-87) was mainly used later in the game after hitters had seen his FB/CB. He wasn't afraid to bounce it in the dirt even though after the first inning he and his catcher seemed to get into it about pitch selection (He had to repeatedly shake off his catcher). He had Ryan Braun's number on this day (0-4, 3K) all three of which were on his SL/CB low and away. He showed a gutsy performance (125 pitches in 7IP) and the only run he gave up was a HR to Gallardo on a hanging SL. Overall I see Snell as a middle of the rotation guy. He doesn't have any Plus pitches and gets by on sheer determination sometimes. I love his bulldog mentality, but he's at best a #3 starter for me.

Tyler Yates RHP Pirates
He throws very hard. This was the first time I saw him and was impressed. His FB(95-98) is above average but straight and his SL(90-91) acts more like a CUT. He flashed two CH(86) to Prince Fielder and it looked below average. He has two Above Average pitches FB/SL and a third show me pitch for lefties. He has been knocked for his command in the past, but if it improves I can see him being a potential replacement for Matt Capps if he is traded or leaves via Free Agency.