OFFICIAL WORLD SERIES! - Boston Redsox vs Colorado Rockies

Zele · #1 10-22-2007, 01:21 AM

Excuse my physics ignorance, but is the implication that thin air will make the knuckleball an even crazier pitch to hit, or that it will hang there and get swatted?

P.S.: It's annoying that we're even talking about batting pitchers. The no-DH rule is killing the game.

Dudd · #2 10-22-2007, 01:24 AM

Lower air density produces less lift/drag on the ball, so in theory it should make a knuckleball dance less.

Dynasty · #3 10-22-2007, 01:26 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Excuse my physics ignorance, but is the implication that thin air will make the knuckleball an even crazier pitch to hit, or that it will hang there and get swatted?

[/ QUOTE ]

The thin air will make all pitches move less. So, the fear is Wakefield could look like he's pitching slow pitch softball.

Zele · #4 10-22-2007, 01:36 AM

Ok, in that case Beckett on "short" rest seems obvious. I realize that we're more sensitive about pitcher abuse than in the old days, but 100 or so pitches on 3 days rest for the last two starts of the season doesn't sound unreasonable. Use Wakefield for relief in Fenway?

tuq · #5 10-22-2007, 01:43 AM

Serious Q: where does the "humidifier" factor into stuff like Wakefield pitching? Does it help his stuff be more volatile or does that just affect velocity and keeping the ball in the park?

Mondogarage · #6 10-22-2007, 09:46 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Serious Q: where does the "humidifier" factor into stuff like Wakefield pitching? Does it help his stuff be more volatile or does that just affect velocity and keeping the ball in the park?

[/ QUOTE ]

The humidor basically just means the balls will retain their size and hardness, and not feel like BBs to the pitcher.

However, the wind drag in cool dry air will still be less than at Fenway.

It's supposed to be 68 degrees on Sunday here, and partly cloudy, which means relatively humidity around here will be lucky to be above 40%. I would think this would have a slight negative effect on the knuckler, but not as severe as pre-humidor days.

CORed · #7 10-22-2007, 05:57 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Serious Q: where does the "humidifier" factor into stuff like Wakefield pitching? Does it help his stuff be more volatile or does that just affect velocity and keeping the ball in the park?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm just guessing here, but I think the humidor would make knuclers and breaking pitches move less, as it makes the ball a little heavier.

Kurn, son of Mogh · #8 10-22-2007, 01:47 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Excuse my physics ignorance, but is the implication that thin air will make the knuckleball an even crazier pitch to hit, or that it will hang there and get swatted?

[/ QUOTE ]

The thin air will make all pitches move less. So, the fear is Wakefield could look like he's pitching slow pitch softball.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think Francona has discussed his rotation yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if Lester gets the start instead of Wake.

Mondogarage · #9 10-22-2007, 01:56 PM

The Rockies are having a 12:20pm press conference...

chim17 · #10 10-22-2007, 02:00 PM

Radio is reporting tickets for all the games are sold out. Cheapest ticket on scalping/broker sites are expected to be $800.

This is really upsetting. Sell it at the box office and you get a much lower % of broker bought tickets and a much higher % of Rockies fans. Now many of us will have no chance to go.

I'll still be downtown for all the games, Sports Column probably.. if anyone wants to get a beer.