What’s Next for Colton Cowser? How He Can Take the Next Step A Thread 🧵 #Birdland

Really excited to watch Gabe Speier deal this season for the Mariners He dealt with injuries in '24 and performed better than his surface numbers show. Still got great whiff on all three main offerings (FF, SI, SL), lowered Hard-hit rate by 5.6%, and had 31.7% K. '23 vs '24 1st pitch Strike: 79.3% 📉 63.1% Chase: 39.7% 📉 27.9% Fastball Velo: 94.6 mph 📉 92.9 mph Breaking Velo: 84.4 mph 📉 81.7 mph LA: 6.9% 📈 19.1% BB: 5.1% 📈 13.5% Getting first pitch strikes is a known key characteristic of Seattle's pitching staff. He left his sinker over the plate too much last season resulting in a 59% HH rate and .517 xSLG. Hopefully his velo returns after his shoulder issues last season. #Mariners sneakily have a top-tier bullpen. Brash, Munoz, Santos, Thornton, Speier, Taylor, and plenty of other very talented arms. SI-SL-SI Sequence to the best hitter in the world | SI x SL Overlay | SI 💣

@OrangeSportFan @DatabaseHit I can see 2025 being Kirby’s equivalent to Gilbert’s 2024. A season where he really “breaks out” and fulfills his full potential.

Mariners fans, read this ⬇️

The difference in MLB average wRC+ between a 2-2 and 3-1 count is 137. 2-1 count: 128 wRC+ 2-2: 70 wRC+ (-58) 3-1: 207 wRC+ (+79) Critical pitch for both pitcher and hitter as the swing in favor goes pretty far each way.

@EdRenstrom He doesn’t have ML service time because he hasn’t been an MLB-caliber player. He’s a late bloomer and has a good hit tool, but expecting him to put up better production at big-league level compared to guys like Polo like you’re implying is not wise IMO.

@richiemille If Lakers win the Finals you gotta wear the LeBron x Kith 15’s

@BrashFan It’s pretty typical for a lefty with his swing to struggle vs CH. I agree, I think as he sees it more he’ll improve. He was still a very productive bat last year, but specifically lowering the chase (something he otherwise excels at) vs CH would make him an even tougher AB.

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