TOP FIVE IN 100-MPH CLUB

(2016 season, as of Aug. 24) 383 pitches at 100-plus; 105.1 fastest; 100.7 fastball avg. 276 pitches at 100-plus; 103.83 fastest; 100.8 fastball avg, 80 pitches at 100-plus; 101.36 fastest; 98.3 fastball avg.. 56 pitches at 100-plus; 102.23 fastest; 98.1 fastball avg. 36 pitches at 100-plus; 101.41 fastest; 97.9 fastball avg. pounds and strong — Butts compares patting him on the back with the feel of clapping the side of a horse — helps explain the velocity.

‘Most enigmatic arm’

strikeout to walk ratio (it was 1.5-to-1 in the minors).

His secondary assortment of pitches has been effective. His control has improved.

“The thing that really impresses me, he does throw that hard, but he can really spin a ball,” Sniter said. “He has a good feel for his change-up and his breaking ball.”

While Cabrera is learning to pitch, he also is saying all the right things: “It’s always been a goal of mine to throw hard. It’s great to know I can throw 100 in the elite company of other pitchers who reach that mark. Now that I’ve reached that mark, I want to work on other things such as control, continue improving and become a well-rounded pitcher.” Which is nice. At the same time, how can he resist obsessing on those pitch-speed numbers, especially in comparison with those of his chief rival in this matter, the Cubs’ Chapman? Being complete is good. Being singularly rapid is downright mythological.

“Once the offseason comes maybe I’ll check (the velocity numbers) out,” Cabrera said coyly. “It’s a little bit of a driving force. With my competitive nature I always want to be the best. It’s a bit of a motivating factor to continue to work and improve.”

Yeah, of course, he senses it, too. It has to feel so good to throw so hard.