Darvish Returns
Yu Darvish returning this season seemed unlikely couple weeks ago, but as time went on, the possibility of a start in the Japan Series become more evident. Darvish returned to the mound to start game two of the Series, and it was his first appearance in a game in 42 days. Given his long layoff, it was difficult to predict what type of shape he’d be in.
Although he was clearly not 100 percent, he mixed in his off-speed pitches and went six innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts for a total of 87 pitches. His opponent in Tetsuya Utsumi was not as sharp, giving the Fighters a decent chance to win.
Even though Darvish had an extreme amount of time to practice, it was his first in-game situation since September, and the biggest stage of the year. Darvish showed why he is considered one of the best pitchers in the game, showing he can control a game without being 100 percent. He explained in an interview that he tried not to put too much strength toward his left foot and expanded his footing grip. His adjustment was to not to use his injured hip, and focus on using his arm to throw the ball.
Darvish quoted that he will be preparing to throw in Game 7 if necessary and that should be an exciting game if it happens.
01/11/2009 at 5:42 pm Permalink
Even though he got thoroughly out-coached by Hara (no genius himself) in game 1, Nashida made the right decision starting Darvish in game 2. My main complaint regarding Nashida was his ridiculous starting pitcher selections from the Seibu series last year, but, so far this season, including the Rakuten series, Ham’s manager has made the right choices. Of course, some of his relief pitching decisions have been impossible to explain. Why, oh why, did he bring in Tateyama in game 1. The only place we should see Tateyama in this series is in the concession stand if they need an extra noodle salesman. Also, if Sweeney starts any game in this series, please delete anything even remotely complimentary I may have written here about Nashida.
Go Ham!
02/11/2009 at 5:43 pm Permalink
I was truly impressed with how Darvish adjusted and was still throwing in the high 140’s complemented by an impressive curve to control the game, even though you could easily tell that he wasn’t even close to 100% being unable to use much torque at all through his body core.