Has Jason Schmidt Lost His Fastball?

Rumor around Vero Beach is that Dodgers prized free agent signing Jason Schmidt has lost his fastball. The Dodgers official site says scouts are suggesting there is something wrong with Schmidt. To make matters worse, Tony Jackson in the LA Daily News says the front office is confirming the rumor

Manager Grady Little and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt both said Schmidt's velocity has been marginally lower this spring than what is normal for him. Honeycutt said Schmidt has been consistently between 86 and 91mph this spring, which isn't enough of a dropoff to cause alarm.

Obviously I cannot judge the rumor until I see him pitching with a radar gun going, but this is a serious deal. From '02-'05 Schmitty was one of the league's premier power-pitchers -- relying on a fastball that could reach 95+ on a regular basis. How will he do if he can't dial it up? Schmidt however, suggests there's no cause for concern:

"I know what it takes in Spring Training and I don't think about velocity now," said Schmidt ... "It's not only about being ready for April 1 but for June and July and August and throughout an entire season. I feel fine."

As Schmidt points out, you see guys like Kenny Rogers consistently throwing in the mid-80s during the regular season all-of-a-sudden popping 95 on the gun during the post-season. While this is a concern for Dodger fans, Schmidt's a pro -- and he's a pitcher now, not a thrower, so there's no need to panic (until his ERA reaches 7.00 in May).