Hobgood, Berry and Bywater throw one shutout inning in GCL opener

[Tony-OH]

Rehabbing Matt Hobgood and Ryan Berry each threw perfect innings with each getting three groundball outs today in the GCL O's opener. Matt Bywater made his professional debut tossing a shutout inning as well, allowing just a walk.

[EutawStreet]

Any idea what Hobgood's velocity was?

[Gurgi]

I hope Hobgood was at least low 90's. 86 just wont make me happy.

[NCRaven]

Wondering what the plan is. Use GCL as a spring training re-do, build the inning/pitch count and move him to Aberdeen or Delmarva some time in July?

[RVAbird]

Wondering what the plan is. Use GCL as a spring training re-do, build the inning/pitch count and move him to Aberdeen or Delmarva some time in July?

I believe that's right.

[Tony-OH]

Any idea what Hobgood's velocity was?

I have an unconfirmed report that Hobgood was 86-90 and Berry was 85-88 MPH.

[RVAbird]

I have an unconfirmed report that Hobgood was 86-90 and Berry was 85-88 MPH.

About what I expected from Hobgood. A little low on Berry.

Hopefully we see a 2-3 tick increase as these two build up arm strength.

[AVencill]

Let me be the first to say "finally, something positive on the injury front". I think both are right on pace with velo as far as first appearances of the year and will hopefully build (moreso in Hobgood's case) as they continue to make progress rehabbing. Hobgood getting three groundball outs is a nice sign, albeit this is only one game.

[BaysoxFan39]

Good News! Let's hope these young pitchers continue to improve.

[Vandy]

As Tony said earlier, Coffey made his 2011 debut today. I'll give him the benefit of he doubt until he gets some innings under his belt, but the results today were pretty poor (although it's impossible to say how hard he was hit, what types of hits he gave up, etc). He really hasn't been on the mound much since the middle of his senior year of high school, so some rough patches are to be expected. At the very least, he went 3 innings and had a solid GB/FB ratio.

[bobmc]

Gulfbird44 (aka Craig) posted some shots he took from the game on the Facebook site:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.108230872560519.6885.100001208210136#!/photo.php?fbid=1880674376682&set=a.1880564573937.2099952.1235989612&type=1&theater

[TGO]

Man, I really hope Berry makes it just for the hair, glasses, and mustache.

Bywater has a 'stache going on, too.

[CrimsonTribe]

Man, I really hope Berry makes it just for the hair, glasses, and mustache.

Bywater has a 'stache going on, too.

Seconded. What a great look.

[bobmc]

Bodywise - Hobgood is a Clemens clone. I can see why they were taken by his physicality. Let's hope he finally emerges.

[Stotle]

Bodywise - Hobgood is a Clemens clone. I can see why they were taken by his physicality. Let's hope he finally emerges.

Clemens was strong but WAY leaner than Hobgood coming out of UT. I do agree there is a resemblence between Hobgood and some of the older versions of Clemens. Definitely a big, strong kid.