If you didn't see him averaging 85-86mph on his fastball before he pumped it up to 87-88mph, then as you so blithely said, I don't know the Zito you're watching.

You may never have actually said that command wasn't important, but you consistently refute my claims that command has been his problem, implying, if not saying outright that velocity is his only real problem. You have never given any credence to my theory, summarily dismissing it and "correcting" my statements/observations.

By increasing the speed of ALL of his pitches, Zito has maintained the same average speed differential between them. While it is true (and I never argued otherwise) that a 91mph/81mph fastball/changeup combo would be more effective than a 85mph/75mph combo, neither combo will be effective without command. If Zito continues make location mistakes to the middle of the plate, it won't matter how fast his pitches are. That has been the core of my argument from the beginning, and if you watched him pitch at all this season, you should have realized that was a much larger problem than reduced velocity. This latest start proves that point.

You can continue to be as negative as you like about all things Giants. While it is annoying, I often agree with your opinions (even if I don't reply) because I am not blinded by my fanhood - I recognize the state of this team. Regardless, I will choose to remain as positive as possible in the majority of my posts.