PG velocity measurement question

CADad,

All reported velocity readings are taken in game conditions whenever possible. We never do or need to ask a pitcher to throw for velocity. They are pitching live to a hitter in a game situation.

PG,
Thanks, sounds like the kids have to know how to find the right situation for putting a little extra on a pitch or two to get a good reading and also work at the velocity where they can be effective.

My guess is that a lot of kids just try to throw hard.

If you ever had the opportunity to sit with the college coaches during a showcase you would see that they chart the pitches: fastball, offspeed, curve, slider etc as well as the velocity

They look for more than just velocity---that is why pitching in game conditions benefits the pitcher more so than throwing in the bullpen

TR,
Thanks, good info.

CA Dad;
Several years ago at our Area Code games in Long Beach, the AC manager of a specific team told the pitcher; "if your father from behind home plate calls a pitch other than a fast ball. I will remove you from the games".

During my 17 years of Area Code Baseball, I could not understand why a hitter did not sit "dead red", maybe "too much" thinking on how he looks
at the plate.

"This thinking does not survive in International Baseball". The Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Australia pitchers are prepared to the "body language" of the American hitter

Bob Williams

Consultant

I do not understand that philosophy---if scouts know the kid can throw heat doesn't it stand to reason they would want to see what his other pitches are and how is location is with them ?

PGStaff you have a PM

TR;
the Pro Scout did not want the father to influence the son as to his pitch selection. The pro scout wanted his team to "look good".

As you know, showcases do not record wins or a team effort, but velocity.

This approach does not win games in International baseball. For 23 years I have watched our American players fail to understand the difference.

Bob

Consultant

I do not agree-- showcases are not all about velocity--if that were the case everyone would throw in the bullpen and there would be no game

At least this is the way we look at it

My personal experience with a scout telling me to throw fastballs and stop throwing the bleepin' junk was because they wanted to see what the hitters could do against strikes. Unfortunately, they couldn't have cared less about my fastball. They were looking at guys who had been released from AA and were trying to catch on with the Angels. This was over 30 years ago though.

My guess is that it isn't that uncommon for a kid who doesn't have a great fastball to nibble a bit too much against strong hitters and that doesn't really give the scouts a chance to see what the hitters can do.

CADAD


Good hitters have to hit pitches that are not right down the pike don't they---a hitter taking a low outside pitch to right field can be very impressive---showcases are not just for pitchers---they are for all players and all positions there are nine plus a DH are they not!!!1

quote:

They look for more than just velocity--

I agree but it is velocity that gets the attention.

College is less about velocity than MLB is but it still rules.
I was at a college showcase one time were a pitcher I know well throws 90 and he struggled through 2 innings. Walked 4 and got hit around. He had college coaches all over him at the end of the showcase. He had gone 2 years to a JUCO and had terrible stats and was trying to find a 4 year school. He never got signed and is only playing local ball. This guy had a great pitchers body but couldn't throw strikes. Had ML scouts work with him and nothing worked.

I was told once that it's easier to teach junk and location than it is to teach 90+ MPH.

So why not find a guy who has the velocity and then teach what he needs but when you can find a guy who can throw high velocity and then have command of all pitches = PRICELESS

[quote]Picture of coach2709

Posted May 26, 2007 02:23 PM Hide Post
I was told once that it's easier to teach junk and location than it is to teach 90+ MPH.

So why not find a guy who has the velocity and then teach what he needs but when you can find a guy who can throw high velocity and then have command of all pitches = PRICELESS


That has been proven inaccurate over and over. A guy who can throw as you put it juck for strikes can be developed into high velocity pitchers. The fear I have had is that they may lose some of their movement.
Jeff Francis who is my favorite example threw 79-80 at his freshman year in college. He couldn't buy a US school to take him and ended up at University of British Columbia In Vancouver. I have had many discussions with his pitching coach and he told me he gained over 10 mph in his 4 years and is now a multi million dollar a year star with the Rockies.
Looking back over the years I can recall guys who focused on velocity and I can't think of more than a couple who are still pitching.

TR,
I agree. I was just saying that a pitcher who consistently nibbles and throws pitches the hitters should take will probably be told to throw some strikes in a showcase situation. Now if a pitcher is throwing low outside strikes and pitches too close to take then more power to them.

Consultant,

I'm wondering if you mis-heard that story.

Usually it goes, "If I catch your dad calling pitches for you from up in the stands, you're out of the game and you can tell dad I said hello."