quote:Originally posted by 20dad:quote:Once a player knows his strengths he can be successful at any level and it won't really matter if he is a FO or a GO or a K type of pitcher. Things do change as they go up levels and as such pitchers learn to tweak or change pitches accordingly.
as do the hitters.which is why so many good pitchers are released every year.
Amen to that.
DK is not a an over the top guy and he throws a 2 seamer as well as a 4 seamer (for when he throws the heat). IMO, 14 year olds should be using both. You can use the 2 seam almost like a breaking ball.
4 seamer has it's own movement and tailspin as does the 2 seamer but the we all know that the beauty of the 2 seam is it's sink and it's own movement. My son's 4 seam doesn't move that much. Some pitchers can throw both well and some can't.
A starter needs 3 pitches or more to throw for strikes to reach the ML level. One pitcher on son's team, before he went down with elbow issues (while working on the curbeball) was told he will never make it to the highest level because he only had two quality pitches, and not high on velo. He was a league leader in wins with pinpoint control. Go figure that one out.
Most relievers in milb with 2 pitches only pitch one inning or two max because they can't get though it a second time with 2 pitches. MLB closers usually were starters with at least 3 pitches at one time but throw really hard and have more suitable personalities for that job. You are in luck if you have a good cut fastball and or slider (not until later on though) You can keep them guessing with inside/outside up, down and away, etc.
Knowing your strengths does not always lead to success. Using it effectively does. JMO.