Halladay now throws his cutter about 25% of the time. And his velocity is quite close to his regular fastball velocity. He's got the closest thing I've seen to Mariano's, and I do remember that Mariano and Halladay had discussions about it at an All Star game, maybe 2008?

OK, they did compare notes on their cutters in 2008, but Halladay says his cutter is not a Mariano clone.

http://tinyurl.com/7e5m4kq

Man, Halladay is good.

Mo has long fingers which helps. I remember one article, I think it was an interview with Eric Clapton about learning the guitar and his frustration about not being able to play like Chuck Berry. Then he realized that Chuck had especially long fingers which is why he could easily play chords that others couldn't. Mo's in that category. Sit back and enjoy the season.

Pedro had really long fingers too.

We're spoiled rotten, I tell ya!

I was touched by Pettitte & Posada's farewells. I know I will be even moved even more so when Jeter packs it because the guy is a real mensch and he's always been one of my favorite players. But seriously, I'm not sure how to even start to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for Mo's retirement. Suppose I should start practicing my curling up into the fetal position and whispering to myself "don't worry, Abby - it will be OK!"

Damn, he's one in a bazillion, ain't he?

[6] He's not going to retire.