Dubee impressed as Hamels works on fourth pitch
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Dubee impressed as Hamels works on fourth pitch
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Earlier in the week, we wondered about the fate of Cole Hamels' cutter, the fourth pitch he experimented with this off-season and hoped to add to his repertoire. But pitching coach Rich Dubee downplayed the cutter last week, saying he wanted Hamels to focus at one pitch at a time -- the curveball priority No. 1.
Well, when Hamels took the mound on Friday to face hitters for the first time this spring in live batting practice, he threw more cutters than curveballs.
So did Hamels talk Dubee into throwing it?
"No," Dubee said. "He's been playing with it. We played with it last year some. I think he's very comfortable where he is arm-wise. He feels like he's ready to do that stuff. It's all good."
Is the pitching coach fine with Hamels working on two pitches at a time?
"Right now, yeah," Dubee said. "Right now he's getting enough of both. He probably threw five cutters, four curveballs. He's still getting both."
Hamels had already left the building after Dubee was done talking, so we don't know his thoughts on the matter yet. But Dubee was very impressed with what he saw on the mound.
"He repeated deliveries," Dubee said. "His command was very good. His arm looked a lot better than it has in any spring. All positives."
And even when something went wrong, Hamels recovered, Dubee said. Hamels bounced a fastball to the plate and became angered -- exactly what Dubee criticized Hamels for doing too much last season. But he straighted out his emotions and threw a fastball on the next pitch.
"Tremendous adjustment in his behavior," Dubee said. "He threw a gem the next pitch."
Quote of the day
This is actually the clubhouse leader for Charlie quote of the spring. When asked about outfielder Tyson Gillies' energy, Manuel said he watched him run from center to right field while shagging flyballs during batting practice.
"He takes shagging to another level," Manuel said.
If that quote is true regarding Gillies, he should be quite the ladies man when he eventually arrives in Philly.— The Pack Leader- "He takes shagging to another level," Manuel said. Hey Now!— The Reddgie
- I miss Cliff Lee--there, it was said, now move on to Hamels--LOL!— Jakerock5
- My goodness have times changed to the point that we now analyze every pitch in spring training? This team (thanks to the media) has really taken over the hearts of Philadelphia phans. I'm definitely living in the moment and loving what this Phillies team has accomplished and their potential for future accomplishments!— Great Philly
- May we go a day without someone commenting about Cliff Lee????? I doubt it... Get over it, boys!!!— M60tanker
- thanks to the media? How about 2 trips to the WS and 1 championship in the last 2 yrs? "The media" has no other choice than to follow the Phils. Who should they be talking about, the Eagles?— Malachy
- Methinks Charlie is smarter than he lets on....you can't TELL me he didn't know what he was implying, and I'll bet he said it with just a slight smile too. Can't wait to see you and da boyz in da Bank!— TBear
- The Pack Leader - Amazing and funny observation! Manuel does give the best quotes!— BammBamm
- M60tanker ... Cliff Lee. Get over us not getting over it. :-)— ToughLove
- Less about him in the media..means greater success on the mound. Young kid not used to scrutiny that success causes.— hrlevine
Can a Tyson Gillies, International Man of Mystery fan group be far behind??— bird11
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- Tysons Knockouts will be in the stands if he makes the Bigs. They can all wear black face...shave their heads....wear big old tats on their heads and faces..... while wearing boxer trunks. I don't see it.— rockinrob
Cliff Lee cannot shag like Tyson Gillies can shag. Austin Powers says so. Yeah, baby!
