BJ LaMura

[hose]

Has anyone seen BJ LaMura pitch? I noticed he has a high K rate down in Birmingham and I can't recall his background.

[hose]

1-1-81
6-1 200 throws right
selected in the 5th round June 2002
attended Clemson ...recorded more k's than IP in 3 straight years...was rated #3 HS prospect in NY and among top 100 prospects in the nation in 1999.
2002 Bristol
2003 Kannapolis
Winston-Salem
2004 WS
Birmingham

[professionalfan]

Although BJ did not have a great ERA in Winston, since being called up to Birmingham, he has looked solid. In his start the other day when he gave up 4 ER in I think 3 innings, he was told right before the game that he was going to start. Out of the bullpen, BJ has been outstanding.

[Fernandez]

went to high school with BJ. Played ball with him from a young age, he has always been a dominant strike out pitcher.

[veeter]

He also pitched in the big league camp this spring and looked good. Hawk seemed to like him.

[mac9001]

I believe LaMura features a mid-90s fastball (i've heard he's top out around 97) and a slider. His stuff is good, his control is abysmal. From what i heard about him is he dosen't trust his stuff and nitpicks on the corners; leading to many walks. At 24 years old he needs to show some results or he won't be a prospect for long.

[diamondkings29]

I heard from a former teammate that BJ throws 88-92 with the wind at his back. If he throws 97, then I throw 107.

I been to dinner with him before and he is a decent guy. If he throws 97, then they bring him up regardless of control.....Look at Kyle Farnsworth......

[Randar68]

Originally Posted by diamondkings29

I heard from a former teammate that BJ throws 88-92 with the wind at his back. If he throws 97, then I throw 107.

I been to dinner with him before and he is a decent guy. If he throws 97, then they bring him up regardless of control.....Look at Kyle Farnsworth......

Brian Miller throws 95, haven't ya heard?

[mac9001]

Originally Posted by diamondkings29

I heard from a former teammate that BJ throws 88-92 with the wind at his back. If he throws 97, then I throw 107.

I been to dinner with him before and he is a decent guy. If he throws 97, then they bring him up regardless of control.....Look at Kyle Farnsworth......

A guy over a soxtalk.com goes to every Barons game and said he's seen BJ hit 97 on the gun at the Met this year.

[Clembasbal]

Anybody that attended Clemson is a god in my book!

[CallMeNuts]

Originally Posted by diamondkings29

I heard from a former teammate that BJ throws 88-92 with the wind at his back. If he throws 97, then I throw 107.
......

After doing the math, that means you're saying that YOU throw 98-102. Are you Bobby Jenks?

[maurice]

Originally Posted by diamondkings29

BJ throws 88-92 with the wind at his back. If he throws 97, then I throw 107.

This is correct.

I also heard rumors that he was a hard thrower, but that's bunk. His fastball is nowhere near 97. More like 87. He K's guys by changing speeds: 87 fastball, 77 breaking ball, and low-70s change.

The gun I saw may be off by a couple of MPH . . . but it's not off by 10 MPH.

[diamondkings29]

Anyone who knows the facts is aware that the Birmingham radar gun on the big screen in RF is way off. Pitchers do not get accurate readings from that location-Nor do they even look at it since they are aware of the discrepency.

[bhamfan]

I'm just starting to follow Lamura, so my question is: will he be returning to Birmingham next year? Or is there a chance he'll end up in Chicago? I can't seem to get much info from the people around here I talk to... you guys are a much more knowledgable source. Thanks.

[Randar68]

Originally Posted by diamondkings29

Anyone who knows the facts is aware that the Birmingham radar gun on the big screen in RF is way off. Pitchers do not get accurate readings from that location-Nor do they even look at it since they are aware of the discrepency.

He doesn't hit 90 on the gun the pitchers charting the game use either. Are those off as well?