quote:Originally posted by J H:quote:The CU is always thrown "OFF" the FB no mater what the count.
Maddux, Hamels, Lincecum, Santana, etc. would probably beg to differ. A changeup can work effectively no matter if it's the first pitch of an at-bat or an 11th pitch of an at-bat. A batter times the arm and the body motion. If a pitcher doesn't believe he can throw a first pitch changeup, then he probably shouldn't think he can throw a first pitch curveball either. A good pitch is a good pitch regardless of when it's thrown.
J H:
We are agreeing with each other. What I'm saying about the CU always working off the FB is that it does not matter what the count is or if the hitter has seen a FB from this pitcher. Hitters are still geared to the FB, so the CU takes advantage of the difference in anticipated speed. If a pitcher can throw a good stride consistently with his CU it can be a great first pitch of an at bat.
Your photo also brings up the issue of handedness. While I think a well thrown CU is a great pitch almost any time there is a particular advantage when facing a hitter batting from the other side of the plate. Consider a left handed pitcher facing a right handed batter. While his breaking ball moves towards the right hander’s’ bat, His CU will normally run arm side and away from the hitter. The reverse is true for a right handed pitcher facing a lefty hitter. His cu will tend to move away from the hitter.