Rivera's Cut Fastball

I think the reason he has been so effective is not just because he throws a nasty cutter, but also because he can paint the black on both sides of the plate at will. He probably has the best command of any reliever is baseball. And I think most relievers lack the command to be able to duplicate Rivera's style.

I watched him closely during this series and along with what Shep said he also changes speed and movement on his ball. He will throw a harder breaking one at 86-87 and then come back with the same looking pitch at 91 with less break. Always on the corners and he moves the eye plane and location.

I am also quite sure that his mystique gets in hitters heads and by the time they see him the team knows they have 3 batters to get something going. I think overlooked is how mentally tough he is, nothing rattles him, he never changes his look and approach. He is also very very systematic in the way he prepares himself. Quite a pleasure to watch.

Late break.
Not much in the middle of the plate.
Different from every other pitcher.
Calm and confident.
Strong mentality.
Reputation.

Also, one of the most high class professionals in all of sports.

quote:

Originally posted by BOF:


I am also quite sure that his mystique gets in hitters heads and by the time they see him the team knows they have 3 batters to get something going. I think overlooked is how mentally tough he is, nothing rattles him, he never changes his look and approach. He is also very very systematic in the way he prepares himself. Quite a pleasure to watch.

I think you nailed it, someone I know who knows him said that he is so mezmerizing in his repeated approach batters have trouble focusing on the ball. Nothing rattles him, a gentleman, who everyone in the game respects and likes, but tough as nails on the mound.
From what I hear, he wants to retire, but most likely will remain until the yankees figure out who will be their next closer. I do feel for the next guy, big shoes to fill, that's for sure.

I was listening to commentary on choosing the MVP for the series, baseball purists feel that choosing a DH who does not play every game should not be a consideration but also the closer who doesn't close in each game. However, they felt that Rivera is probably one of those guys who could and may have deserved it, as the thought of facing him late in the game forces managers to make tough decisions in changing their line up. He was and is a player, in their opinion, who probably has done more to change outcomes of games than any other.

I have heard your son's mechanics resemnble his. Quite a complement by the way. Now if he can get his mental approach.... bingo... keys to the kingdom.

quote:

they felt that Rivera is probably one of those guys who could and may have deserved it

I felt that he was in it with Jeter, Godzilla had an out of his head game, but the series was won by the top of the order and Mr. Rivera. I would have had co-MVP's or flipped a coin but no way was the DH in line for it.
I watched Mariano very closely as well. He gets away with more in pitches to lefties. I have to join with the Phillies though..I don't know why you can't hit the daggone thing..on TV it looks hittable...but on TV it looks like I can play NFL football too .

BOF,
TY.
Similar, but different, JMO.

http://www.pitchingclips.com/players/david_kopp.htm


I wish mine could throw a cut fastball, but his arm slot doesn't allow for it without changes that would throw off his velocity. You either can throw a cut FB effectively or you can't.

FWIW, the player drafted after mine (Cardinals) throws a cut fastball (much lower velocity) which was unhittable in the lower levels, he struggled a bit when brought up then traded. That's basically all he throws and is now used as a closer. If one can master this pitch, it's a great thing.

It is pretty easy to see why lefties can't hit the pitch. The question is why righties can't jump on the occasional mistake that gets out over the plate more often.

It is so late movement isnt movement till it is late. Then its life.

The scary part of that clip, TPM (which is absolutely awesome to have a comparison like that, btw), is that Mariano throws in the 90's with the same effort he is exerting in a Frozen Ropes jersey there.

Saying your son uses more effort than Mariano is of course no disrespect to your son, as you know. There aren't too many in the world that can do it like Mariano, and to have your son be compared to him is incredible.

Perhaps the ease in which he delivers the ball helps his success. Not only does the batter know that the ball is going to jackhammer at their hands at the last second at regular fastball speeds, but the man who has impeccable control (to me only Maddux has had equal or better contol in my generation) also looks like he's using about as much effort as it takes to throw the ball 40 mph.

I think its suffice to say that each time he steps on the mound, we are watching the greatest relief pitcher to ever live.

I was watching him one game and he threw 8 consecutive pitches at 91 and they couldn't hit it. Like JD said, it looks hittable and it's amazing that he's been successful so long.

quote:

Originally posted by TDad:
O1 Any opinion's as to why?

O2 Also, why haven't many relievers tried to duplicate his style?

O1: Talent

O2: Many have tried. All have failed.

quote:

Originally posted by PGStaff:
Late break.
Not much in the middle of the plate.
Different from every other pitcher.
Calm and confident.
Strong mentality.
Reputation.

Also, one of the most high class professionals in all of sports.

Agree 100%. I love the guy. The ONLY thing wrong with him is that he's a Yankee