Yankees' David Cone (7-3, 3.32) vs. Braves' Tom Glavine (17-11, 2.89)
(records include postseason)
What Cone throws: Fastball, a number of speeds on breaking balls. He loves to throw sidearm breaking balls and fastballs when he's ahead in the count against right-handed hitters.
What Cone has done lately: Since his first outing off the disabled list in September, when Cone threw seven no-hit innings against Oakland, the veteran right-hander has been mediocre, very hittable. Cone gave up six runs in six innings in the Division Series against Texas, and the Yankees lost the only game he started in the ALCS against the Orioles. Cone lasted only six innings that game, throwing 133 pitches, and he always seemed one pitch away from getting pummeled.
Something to look for: Velocity. Cone's trouble in recent weeks may be due to a lack of arm strength, and in a sense, he's been going through a second spring training. If he's throwing hard early in the game, 91 or 92 mph with some control, he can be the type of pitcher folks expect David Cone to be.
What Glavine throws: Fastball, changeup, breaking ball. He changes speeds very well, and tries to pound strikes over the absolute outside edge of the strike zone.
What Glavine has done lately: Glavine lost Game 3 of the NLCS, 3-2, allowing seven hits and three runs over six innings. But in Game 7, he pitched exceptionally, giving up three hits and no walks over seven innings, benefiting from the fact he had a 6-0 lead in the first inning. Glavine is a terrific hitter, too; his three-run triple broke open Game 7 of the NLCS.
Something to look for: Glavine can dominate if he has command of his fastball on the outside corner. If he doesn't, he'll suddenly -- be vulnerable. Glavine won't always throw strikes, and the Yankees can build his pitch count quickly if they're patient enough.
Pub Date: 10/22/96
