For a MIF position. What is more important?
Hypothetical
Throws 90-95 across diamond with a bit of a longer windup (slow release)
Throws 80-85 across with short quick release
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For MIF, quick release is a must but it all adds up and both are important. You didn't say what level for your hypothetical but 80-85 isn't chopped liver, so I'd probably take that guy since he sort of has both.
And for a different answer...
I'll take the one that makes all the routine plays.
What you really want is both.
So, if all else is equal, you take the 90+ guy, because he can learn to shorten his stroke, but the other guy may not be able to learn how to throw 90+.
Quick release.
Just move the 90-95 guy to 3rd or RF - problem solved.
Ozzie Smith would normally throw 80 mph across the infield, but his footwork and quick release along with attacking ground balls, made him one of the best ever.
Then again there are shortstops with 90+ arms across the infield without winding up or a long arm action.
Taking too long to throw the ball defeats the purpose of a strong arm. However, nobody is going to ignore the kid that throws 90+ across the infield. Some of these type shortstops in high school end up being Major League pitchers. Others move to 3B or the outfield.
Not long ago Carlos Correa threw 97 across the infield at the PG World Showcase. He then became the first overall pick of the draft and is still playing shortstop. He is a big shortstop and if they move him to 3B it will because of size not because of arm strength or a slower release.
Bottom line - If you lack arm strength and also lack a quick release, you won't have much of a future as a SS. BTW, a quick release is dependent on good footwork or quick feet.
OK EverydayDad, fun topic but I'm sure this isn't 100% hypothetical. Do we get the real back story now?
Ok Cabbage, the real story being two things. I've always taught my kid and others kids I've coached quickness. Quick thinking, release, and as PG mentions footwork.
We would practice playing catch from a close range based solely on catching and releasing. I don't want an MIF that has a long winding arm action. Kind of like a pitcher. His speed comes from reaching back and throwing. Certainly if he short armed the pitch his speed would suffer immensely.
One thing I did notice, that some of the kids PG had ranked 10's, had, IMO seemed too long of a release based on long arm mechanics.
Anyway bottom line. Here it is.
My 2016 plays shortstop. He does, you guessed it, have a very quick release.
He is upper 70's/low 80's across the diamond so far.
That being said, while I love watching him hit, I always admired his infield fluidity and getting rid of the ball. We always hated to pitch him, since the SS position would suffer.
Anyway thanks for asking Cabbage.
btw - I was as SS as well