What to Watch in Spring Training Games, Two-Seam Fastball
Feb 23, 2024
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Unusual day at Phillies camp, superstitious teammates, analyzing spring training games, deep dive on two-seam fastballs/sinkers, challenges in coaching staff alignment, effective pitching strategies, viewer Q&A on organizational approaches
Pitchers can manipulate ball movement by using different grips and release points for two-seamers and sinkers.
Seam-shifted pitches like Josh Hader's sinker can surprise hitters and lead to swing-and-miss or weak contact.
Pitchers like Marcus Stroman blend sinker grips and two-seam fastball movements to keep hitters guessing and enhance effectiveness on the mound.
Deep dives
Understanding Different Pitch Movements
Two Seamer and Sinker pitches can have different movement characteristics, like sink and fade for sinkers and horizontal movement for two seamers. Pitchers like Chris Bassett excel in creating movement that surprises hitters. The evolution of pitches like the two seamer and sinker has led to pitchers strategically using various grips and release points to manipulate ball movement.
Impact of Seam Shifted Pitches
Pitchers like Josh Hader demonstrate unique abilities to throw seam-shifted pitches, such as a sinker that exhibits unexpected movement like ride. This technique can confuse hitters who anticipate a different result based on the pitcher's arm slot and grip. Seam-shifted pitches challenge hitters' expectations and can lead to swing-and-miss or weak contact.
Effective Execution and Expectations
Clay Holmes showcases how arm slot and pitch grip can influence the movement of a pitch, turning traditional sinkers or two seamers into deceptive offerings. Hitters rely on visual cues to anticipate pitch movement, making pitches like Holmes' sinker difficult to pick up. By mastering seam-shifted grips and unconventional movement, pitchers create opportunities to keep hitters off balance.
Variety in Pitch Arsenal and Strategic Pitching
Pitchers like Marcus Stroman use a diverse pitch arsenal to keep hitters guessing, blending sinker grips and two-seam fastball movements to add layers of complexity to their pitching approach. The ability to shift seam direction allows pitchers to create pitches with unexpected behavior, challenging hitters to adjust on the fly. Developing pitches with unique movement characteristics can enhance a pitcher's effectiveness on the mound.
Challenges in Player Development Philosophy
Discusses the challenges faced by players and organizations when player philosophy and organizational philosophy do not align. Gives examples of pitchers struggling with pitch strategies that clash with organizational beliefs, highlighting the importance of scouting and philosophical alignment.
Inefficiencies in Player Development
Explores the inefficiencies in player development focusing on mindset, process, and resource gaps. Emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt processes and allocate resources effectively to drive improved player development outcomes. Highlights the importance of testing, data-driven decision-making, and willingness to embrace new technologies and methodologies.
Eno, Trevor and DVR discuss an unusual day at Phillies camp, superstitious teammates, and what to look for in spring training games. Plus, they continue the deep dive pitching series with a detailed look at two-seam fastballs/sinkers, before discussing a few challenges organizations have getting coaching staffs on the same page in player development.
Rundown
1:38 A Rough Day in Phillies Camp
7:26 What to Look For in Spring Training Games
18:45 Reliever Usage in Closer Battles
26:28 'Two-Seamer' v. 'Sinker'
32:33 Good Two-Seamers & Newer Location Strategies
37:39 An Ineffective Sinker
48:35 Two-Seam Fastballs in Stuff+
50:37 Organizational Philosophy v. Individual Approaches
