Should The Yankees Be Concerned About David Robertson’s Velocity?

Mar 25, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher

(30) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Not to be an alarmist the night before opening day, but there was an interesting article today in the NY Post about David Robertson and his velocity, or dare I say, lack thereof.  Here is the quote from one scout regarding the velocity of Robertson:

"“He was 88 to 90 mph the last time I saw him and he is usually 92 and a tick above,’’ a talent evaluator said of the Yankees’ closer. “His velocity was down a little bit. He can usually pop out a 93. I don’t know, he might have been working on something, but it was down.”"

Robertson was only at 90 last April and topped out at 93.2 during the month of May. Brian Cashman isn’t concerned about it.

To me, there’s no reason for concern right now about Roberston’s velocity. That adrenaline rush you get isn’t necessarily there for a spring training game, than it is for a game against the Red Sox in August. There’s no reason for Robertson, someone who had a guaranteed roster spot, to over exert himself during a meaningless spring training game.

Another thing to keep in mind is the development of his cutter and a knuckle-curve. Robertson threw the cutter almost 50% of the time and introduced a knuckle curve that he threw almost 10 percent of the time according to Fangraphs.

The bottom line is now is not the time to worry about Robertson. If his velocity is down, and he isn’t getting outs in May then that might be the time. But now? Nope.