SPE777 wrote:
Hmm...no one particular pitch is the best for Ks (IMO) since the computer seems to adjust and look for patterns. Also, every player is different, so you can't always pitch high and tight for a K.
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However, there are some pitches I enjoy throwing and have had good success...
Sweeping curveballs that start outside the strikezone and work in, preferably nearest the extreme top or bottom of the strike zone. (right on right matchup or vice versa)
Hard sliders that start inside and work out, preferably nearest the extreme top or bottom of the strike zone. (right on left matchup or vice versa)
12-6 curves/changeups that start slightly below the middle of the zone and end up at the bottom edge of (or slightly below) the strike zone.
Knuckleballs that start near eye-level for the batter and fall in to the top of the strike zone (Tim Wakefield is a master at this!)
2-seam fastballs on the bottom edges of the strikezone. (the more drop the pitch has, the more deceptive it is to batters)
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Some other things I've learned about pitching...
Control is probably the most important factor to success. I'm sure people will argue with me on this, but control is more important than pitch speed. It seems like guys that have at least B control (without a lot of detrimental character qualities) seem to always have low ERAs, even if they're only hitting about 85 mph. Why? Because they're able to locate pitches where they want to throw them. A 99+ mph hurler may seem impressive, but if he's got F control, he'll likely get hit much harder and more frequently than someone who can control their pitches better.
Throw every pitch as close to the border of being a ball as possible. I know, it seems like a no brainer, but it's true. The middle of the strike zone is like center of control and power for a hitter. Try and get as far as possible from that center while making sure pitches are strikes (or that batters are swinging at them)!
Vary speeds, pitch selection, and location--DON'T CREATE PATTERNS! If you're throwing curve, fastball, changeup every time to the same batters, they will eventually figure out how to hit those pitches. Use pitch speeds to your advantage--change ups can be particularly devistating after a series of fastballs. (I know, because that's the number one reason I strikeout while batting!)
Some guys are such good batters that they'll find a way to get on base--no matter what pitch you throw. Ichiro and B.J. Upton are a couple of guys that always seem get on 1B despite having to face some of the nastiest pitches in my repertoire.
Finally, experiment! If you're blowing out your oponent and are unfamiliar with a pitcher on your staff, use him in the game (or practice) and find out what his strengths and weaknesses are. You may find first or second year player you like using better than a high-priced vet.
*********
However, there are some pitches I enjoy throwing and have had good success...
Sweeping curveballs that start outside the strikezone and work in, preferably nearest the extreme top or bottom of the strike zone. (right on right matchup or vice versa)
Hard sliders that start inside and work out, preferably nearest the extreme top or bottom of the strike zone. (right on left matchup or vice versa)
12-6 curves/changeups that start slightly below the middle of the zone and end up at the bottom edge of (or slightly below) the strike zone.
Knuckleballs that start near eye-level for the batter and fall in to the top of the strike zone (Tim Wakefield is a master at this!)
2-seam fastballs on the bottom edges of the strikezone. (the more drop the pitch has, the more deceptive it is to batters)
**********
Some other things I've learned about pitching...
Control is probably the most important factor to success. I'm sure people will argue with me on this, but control is more important than pitch speed. It seems like guys that have at least B control (without a lot of detrimental character qualities) seem to always have low ERAs, even if they're only hitting about 85 mph. Why? Because they're able to locate pitches where they want to throw them. A 99+ mph hurler may seem impressive, but if he's got F control, he'll likely get hit much harder and more frequently than someone who can control their pitches better.
Throw every pitch as close to the border of being a ball as possible. I know, it seems like a no brainer, but it's true. The middle of the strike zone is like center of control and power for a hitter. Try and get as far as possible from that center while making sure pitches are strikes (or that batters are swinging at them)!
Vary speeds, pitch selection, and location--DON'T CREATE PATTERNS! If you're throwing curve, fastball, changeup every time to the same batters, they will eventually figure out how to hit those pitches. Use pitch speeds to your advantage--change ups can be particularly devistating after a series of fastballs. (I know, because that's the number one reason I strikeout while batting!)
Some guys are such good batters that they'll find a way to get on base--no matter what pitch you throw. Ichiro and B.J. Upton are a couple of guys that always seem get on 1B despite having to face some of the nastiest pitches in my repertoire.
Finally, experiment! If you're blowing out your oponent and are unfamiliar with a pitcher on your staff, use him in the game (or practice) and find out what his strengths and weaknesses are. You may find first or second year player you like using better than a high-priced vet.
I pretty much agree with all those pitches. I always use a curveball that drops so it ends up just up and in the strike zone, and occasionally I'll try to make them swing at a pitch in the dirt
