Does anyone besides me get surprised when a 1B pitches and throws decently?

[Hallas]

The assumption that I've always had was that most position players can't throw as hard as pitchers.  That's been turned on its head a bit as a result of statcast showing outfield throws in the high 90s.  But that's outfielders.  First basemen aren't usually known for their throwing strength.  Yet here we are, watching Mitch Moreland of all people K Joseph and showing 92 mph heat and a decent curveball.  And then there was Davis a few years back throwing 91 and getting 2 K's including Adrian Gonzalez.  I just don't know where this throwing strength is coming from for these players.

 

[nevadaO]

1 hour ago, Hallas said:

The assumption that I've always had was that most position players can't throw as hard as pitchers.  That's been turned on its head a bit as a result of statcast showing outfield throws in the high 90s.  But that's outfielders.  First basemen aren't usually known for their throwing strength.  Yet here we are, watching Mitch Moreland of all people K Joseph and showing 92 mph heat and a decent curveball.  And then there was Davis a few years back throwing 91 and getting 2 K's including Adrian Gonzalez.  I just don't know where this throwing strength is coming from for these players.

 

Their large, strong legs.

[foxfield]

Mitch Moreland was a reliever in college. But was drafted as a first baseman. 

[SteveA]

6 hours ago, Hallas said:

The assumption that I've always had was that most position players can't throw as hard as pitchers.  That's been turned on its head a bit as a result of statcast showing outfield throws in the high 90s.  But that's outfielders.  First basemen aren't usually known for their throwing strength.  Yet here we are, watching Mitch Moreland of all people K Joseph and showing 92 mph heat and a decent curveball.  And then there was Davis a few years back throwing 91 and getting 2 K's including Adrian Gonzalez.  I just don't know where this throwing strength is coming from for these players.

 

Moreland was a closer at Mississippi State.

[Tony-OH]

A lot of pitchers play first base when they aren't pitching in high school and in some colleges. 

[Just Regular]

There's no way to test it but I think that that most of the best potential pitchers not pitching in MLB are MLB position players.

If there were a rapture like event after the season where every MLB pitcher (and Shohei Otani i guess) vanished, I'd guess someone like Mitch Moreland would win 2018's Cy Young before I'd guess Mike Wright.  Aaron Hicks and Hunter Renfroe have thrown over 100 more than a couple times.

[sportsfan8703]

2 hours ago, SteveA said:

Moreland was a closer at Mississippi State.

Buck mentioned this is the post game. 

Really makes you wonder that what if you don't walk hitters like Miley and Ubaldo do?  Maybe they'd hit into some tough luck. Nibblers gonna nibble. 

[Hallas]

11 hours ago, SteveA said:

Moreland was a closer at Mississippi State.

Didn't know that.  That makes sense.  I just assume that most 1B are in the majors for their ability to hit a baseball and pick balls out of the dirt, and not so much for their ability to throw a baseball.  I guess there are always exceptions.

[Hallas]

8 hours ago, sportsfan8703 said:

Buck mentioned this is the post game. 

Really makes you wonder that what if you don't walk hitters like Miley and Ubaldo do?  Maybe they'd hit into some tough luck. Nibblers gonna nibble. 

I feel like there is some value in having a couple position players that can throw a baseball from the mound once in a blue moon.  Could potentially save you from some roster shenanigans.  But the O's are pretty good at those roster shenanigans so maybe it's less valuable to the O's.

[Beef Supreme]

I am not surprised when any player pitches well once. I am surprised when a position player pitches well twice.