Unveiling Talent Scouting Pitchers Beyond Just Speed

My memo-

"Scouting Pitchers, Uncovering the Hidden Talents Beyond Velocity”

In the world of baseball, velocity is often the first thing that grabs a scout’s attention when evaluating a pitcher. A fastball that reaches the upper 90s or even touches 100 mph is undeniably impressive and can make headlines, but there is much more to pitching than just speed. Successful pitchers at both the amateur and professional levels possess a combination of attributes that go beyond mere velocity. Mechanics, command, pitch ability, and the ability to adjust and compete under pressure are all critical factors that scouts evaluate when determining a pitcher’s potential. If I see a pitcher throwing in the 90s with no movement, the question is can he learn to make the ball move.

“My memo explores the key factors scouts consider when evaluating pitchers, emphasizing the importance of mechanics, command, and pitch ability, as well as other attributes that contribute to a pitcher’s success on the mound.”

The Role of Mechanics in Pitching Success

Mechanics are the foundation of a pitcher’s ability to throw strikes, generate movement, and maintain health over the long term. Proper mechanics help a pitcher maximize their velocity and control while minimizing the risk of injury. Scouts pay close attention to a pitcher’s mechanics because they can indicate both current effectiveness and future potential.

1. Delivery Consistency:

Consistency in a pitcher’s delivery is crucial for both command and deception. A repeatable delivery ensures that a pitcher can consistently locate their pitches within the strike zone and maintain the same arm speed and slot for all their pitches, making it harder for hitters to detect what’s coming. Scouts look for a fluid and repeatable delivery that minimizes unnecessary movements and maintains balance and control throughout the motion.

A pitcher with consistent mechanics is also less likely to experience significant drops in performance or develop mechanical issues that could lead to injury. For example, a pitcher with a clean, repeatable arm action is less likely to put undue stress on their shoulder or elbow, reducing the risk of long-term injury.

2. Arm Action:

Arm action refers to the movement of a pitcher’s arm from the start of the delivery to the release point. Scouts evaluate arm action to determine how efficiently a pitcher throws the ball and how much stress the motion places on the arm. A smooth, fluid arm action is generally preferred because it allows for better command and reduces the risk of injury.

Scouts also look for arm speed, which can contribute to both velocity and deception. However, a pitcher with a fast arm but poor mechanics may be more prone to injury, so it’s essential to balance arm speed with proper mechanics.

?3. Balance and Body Control:

Balance and body control are critical aspects of a pitcher’s mechanics. A well-balanced pitcher can maintain control over their body throughout the delivery, leading to better command and consistency. Scouts observe how a pitcher moves down the mound, whether they stay balanced over their back leg, and how they transfer weight to their front side.

A pitcher who can maintain balance and control is more likely to consistently hit their spots and generate movement on their pitches. Additionally, good body control reduces the likelihood of mechanical breakdowns that can lead to wildness or injury.

4. Lower Body Engagement:

The lower body plays a significant role in generating velocity and maintaining stability during the pitching motion. Scouts look for pitchers who effectively use their legs and hips to drive towards the plate, as this can lead to increased velocity and improved command. A strong lower body engagement also helps reduce stress on the arm, as the legs and core can absorb much of the force generated during the delivery.

Pitchers who rely heavily on their upper body to generate velocity may be more prone to fatigue and injury, so scouts prefer pitchers who use their lower body effectively.

Command: The Ability to Locate Pitches

While velocity can overpower hitters, command—the ability to locate pitches within the strike zone—is often what separates good pitchers from great ones. Command involves not only throwing strikes but also placing pitches in specific locations to exploit a hitter’s weaknesses and keep them off balance.

1. Fastball Command:

Fastball command is the cornerstone of effective pitching. Scouts evaluate a pitcher’s ability to locate their fastball in all four quadrants of the strike zone, as well as their ability to change the hitter’s eye level. A pitcher with excellent fastball command can work both sides of the plate, elevate the ball to induce swings and misses, and drop it down in the zone to generate ground balls.

Fastball command is particularly important because it sets up a pitcher’s secondary pitches. A pitcher who can consistently locate their fastball is more likely to keep hitters off balance and make their off-speed pitches more effective.

2. Command of Secondary Pitches:

In addition to fastball command, scouts look for a pitcher’s ability to command their secondary pitches—such as the curveball, slider, changeup, and cutter. Command of secondary pitches allows a pitcher to throw them for strikes or use them as chase pitches to get hitters to swing at balls outside the strike zone.

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A pitcher who can consistently throw their secondary pitches for strikes is more likely to succeed at higher levels, as they can keep hitters guessing and avoid becoming predictable. Scouts pay close attention to how well a pitcher can locate these pitches, as it often indicates their overall pitch ability and effectiveness.

3. Situational Command:

Situational command refers to a pitcher’s ability to execute pitches in specific situations, such as with runners on base or in high-leverage moments. Scouts look for pitchers who can maintain their composure and still hit their spots when the pressure is on. A pitcher who can command their pitches in crucial situations is more likely to succeed in professional baseball, where the mental and physical demands are higher.

Pitch ability: The Art of Pitching

Pitch ability is a term that encompasses a pitcher’s overall approach to the game, including their ability to mix pitches, read hitters, and adjust on the fly. It’s a blend of mental acuity, strategic thinking, and execution that allows a pitcher to maximize their effectiveness, even if they don’t possess elite velocity.

1. Pitch Sequencing:

Pitch sequencing is the ability to set up hitters by varying pitch types, speeds, and locations. Scouts evaluate a pitcher’s understanding of how to use their repertoire to keep hitters off balance and induce weak contact or swings and misses. A pitcher with good pitch sequencing can use their fastball to set up their off-speed pitches or vice versa, depending on the situation.

Scouts also look at how well a pitcher sequences their pitches based on the hitter’s tendencies. A pitcher who can exploit a hitter’s weaknesses by changing speeds and locations is seen as having high pitch ability.

2. Deception:

Deception is the ability to make pitches appear similar coming out of the hand, making it difficult for hitters to recognize what pitch is coming. This can involve hiding the ball well during the delivery, maintaining consistent arm speed on all pitches, and using similar release points for different pitches. Scouts value pitchers who can deceive hitters, as it often leads to more swings and misses and weaker contact.

3. Reading Hitters:

The ability to read hitters and adjust accordingly is a key component of pitch ability. Scouts look for pitchers who can observe a hitter’s stance, swing, and approach and make in-game adjustments to exploit weaknesses. A pitcher who can quickly identify a hitter’s tendencies and adjust their pitch selection or location is more likely to succeed at higher levels.

4. Competitiveness and Mound Presence:

Competitiveness and mound presence are intangible qualities that contribute to a pitcher’s success. Scouts observe how a pitcher handles adversity, whether they can maintain focus and composure in difficult situations, and how they interact with their teammates and coaches. A pitcher with strong mound presence exudes confidence and can often intimidate hitters, while competitiveness drives them to continually improve and overcome challenges.

Other Key Factors in Evaluating Pitchers

In addition to mechanics, command, and pitch ability, scouts consider several other factors when evaluating pitchers, all of which contribute to a pitcher’s overall potential and likelihood of success.

1. Movement:

Movement refers to the way a pitch behaves as it travels towards the plate. Scouts look for pitchers who can generate natural movement on their pitches, such as sinking fastballs, sharp-breaking sliders, or tumbling changeups. Movement can make a pitch more difficult to hit, even if it’s not thrown with elite velocity. For example, a two-seam fastball with late run can be highly effective in inducing ground balls, while a curveball with a sharp break can generate swings and misses.

Scouts pay close attention to a pitcher’s ability to generate movement naturally, as it can often lead to weak contact and reduce the likelihood of giving up hard-hit balls.

2. Spin Rate: I did not want to talk about Spin Rate but it’s a new buzz word, so I did

Spin rate has become an increasingly important metric in evaluating pitchers, particularly in the age of advanced analytics. Spin rate refers to the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) a pitch makes as it travels to the plate. Higher spin rates on fastballs can create the illusion of rising action, making the pitch more difficult for hitters to square up. Conversely, lower spin rates on breaking balls can create more movement and deception.

Scouts use spin rate data to complement their observations and gain a deeper understanding of how a pitcher’s pitches behave. A pitcher with high spin rates on their fastball and breaking ball is often seen as having a higher ceiling, as these pitches are more likely to generate swings and misses. I have scouted thousands of pitchers, and I could not care about Spin Rate why? A pitcher throws 93 mph fastball 2200 RPM, and the hitter sends the ball 440 over the centerfield fence, who cares about Spin Rate, I am looking at the hitter in this case.

3. Velocity Differential:

Velocity differential refers to the difference in speed between a pitcher’s fastball and their off-speed pitches. A significant velocity differential can make it difficult for hitters to time their swings, leading to more swings and misses or weak contact. Scouts evaluate how well a pitcher can change speeds and

maintain consistent arm action across different pitch types, as this can enhance the effectiveness of their off-speed pitches.

A pitcher who can effectively change speeds and keep hitters off balance is more likely to succeed at higher levels, where hitters are more adept at recognizing and adjusting to different pitches.

4. Durability and Stamina:

Durability and stamina are critical factors in evaluating.

As a former pitcher I went deep into being a pitcher and what Scouts look for. If I am a young pitcher, I believe it is very important for the parents to find a very good pitching instructor, and the reason most coaches don’t have a clue about being a complete pitcher and throwing certain pitchers.

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