K-Rod Says His Velocity Will Return and I Believe Him

Really, I do believe him - he says to expect mid-90's, not high-90s - but no more low 90's heaters.

Over at mlb.com, one of today's top stories is an interview with Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets' new closer says the loss of velocity on his fastball was intentional, to help keep a consistent delivery, disguising his new fangled change-up. Here's a bit from the link:

He has mastered the changeup, he says, to the point that delivery is no longer an issue. And he will pitch in the mid-90s again, on a regular basis, under the lights of Citi Field.

Bail Out Ballpark by any other name.

K-Rod did show an improved fastball at the tail end of last season, while throwing even more change-ups. You can see more in this analysis of his velocity and pitch selection. He still wasn't throwing as hard as he did in 2007, though. Wait until Spring, and wait until the PITCHf/x at the new park is settled in. At Shea, speed seemed to be lower than most other parks.