Blake Snell's Pitching Speed: A Detailed Look
Let's dive deep into what makes Blake Snell a fascinating pitcher to watch. We'll break down his pitching speed, different types of pitches, and how it all comes together to make him so effective on the mound. If you're a baseball enthusiast, or just curious about the science behind pitching, you're in the right place.
Understanding Blake Snell's Fastball
When we talk about Blake Snell, the first thing that often comes to mind is his fastball. This is his bread and butter, the pitch he relies on to set the tone and challenge hitters. Snell's fastball typically sits in the low to mid-90s mph range. More specifically, you'll often see him throwing it consistently between 93-96 mph. However, it's not just about the velocity. What makes Snell's fastball particularly effective is its movement and how he sequences it with his other pitches. He doesn't just rear back and fire; there's a lot of strategy involved.
Velocity is crucial, of course. A fastball in the mid-90s is tough for any hitter to handle, giving them very little time to react. But Snell also gets good late life on his fastball, meaning it has a little extra zip and movement as it approaches the plate. This is what fools hitters and leads to swings and misses or weak contact. Snell's ability to maintain this velocity deep into games is also a testament to his conditioning and mechanics.
Snell isn't just throwing the fastball down the middle; he locates it effectively. He'll work the corners of the plate, trying to get hitters to chase pitches out of the strike zone. He'll also elevate the fastball, getting it up in the zone to induce pop-ups or swings and misses. This command of the fastball is what separates him from pitchers who simply rely on velocity alone. Moreover, Snell's fastball plays off his other pitches, particularly his breaking balls. By establishing the fastball early in the count, he makes his off-speed pitches even more deceptive.
Think of it like this: if a hitter is constantly geared up for a 95 mph fastball, a well-placed curveball or changeup can completely disrupt their timing. Snell understands this dynamic and uses it to his advantage. He's a cerebral pitcher who's always thinking one or two steps ahead. In recent years, Snell has made adjustments to his fastball grip and delivery to enhance its effectiveness. These tweaks, often subtle, can have a significant impact on the pitch's velocity, movement, and overall command. He's constantly seeking ways to improve, showing a dedication to his craft that's admirable.
Breaking Down His Secondary Pitches
Beyond the fastball, Blake Snell boasts a repertoire of secondary pitches that keep hitters guessing. His curveball and changeup are his go-to options, and he mixes them effectively to disrupt hitters' timing and prevent them from sitting on the fastball. Let's take a closer look at each of these pitches.
Snell's curveball is a thing of beauty. It's a high-70s to low-80s mph pitch with significant downward break. This means it starts out looking like a fastball but then dives sharply as it approaches the plate. This late break is what makes it so difficult for hitters to pick up. They often swing over the top of it, resulting in a swing and miss or weak ground ball. Snell uses his curveball in a variety of situations. He'll throw it early in the count to steal a strike, or he'll use it as an out pitch with two strikes. He's also not afraid to throw it to both right-handed and left-handed hitters. The key to Snell's curveball is its consistency. He's able to repeat his delivery and get the same amount of break on the pitch each time. This allows him to locate it effectively and trust it in crucial situations.
His changeup is another weapon in his arsenal. This pitch sits in the mid-80s mph range, about 10 mph slower than his fastball. This difference in velocity is what makes it so deceptive. Hitters gear up for the fastball, but then they get a slower pitch that throws off their timing. Snell's changeup also has good arm-side run, meaning it moves away from right-handed hitters. This makes it particularly effective against them, as it's difficult to keep the ball fair. Snell often uses his changeup against righties, especially in situations where he needs a ground ball or a double play. Like his curveball, Snell's changeup has improved over the years. He's worked on his grip and delivery to make it more consistent and deceptive. He's also learned how to tunnel it effectively with his fastball, making it even more difficult for hitters to distinguish between the two pitches.
Snell will occasionally mix in a slider as well. While not as frequently used as his curveball or changeup, the slider provides another variation in speed and movement that can keep hitters off balance. It typically clocks in around the low 80s and has a sharper, horizontal break compared to his curveball's more vertical drop. The slider is particularly effective against right-handed hitters, as it breaks away from them, making it tough to barrel up. When Snell is commanding all his pitches, he becomes an incredibly tough matchup for any lineup. The combination of a mid-90s fastball, a devastating curveball, a deceptive changeup, and a slider gives him a variety of ways to attack hitters and keep them guessing. It's this versatility that makes him one of the most exciting pitchers to watch in baseball today.
How Pitching Speed Affects His Game
The speed at which Blake Snell throws his pitches is a cornerstone of his success. However, it's not just about raw velocity; it's about how he uses his pitching speed strategically to keep hitters off balance. By varying the speeds of his fastball, curveball, and changeup, Snell disrupts hitters' timing and prevents them from getting comfortable at the plate. The contrast between his fastball, which sits in the mid-90s, and his curveball, which dips into the high-70s, is significant. This nearly 20 mph difference forces hitters to adjust their approach constantly. They can't just sit on one speed; they have to be ready for anything.
This variance in speed also makes it difficult for hitters to anticipate what's coming next. If Snell throws a fastball for a strike, the hitter has to be prepared for another fastball. But if he follows that up with a curveball, it can completely throw off their timing. This cat-and-mouse game is what makes pitching so fascinating to watch. Moreover, Snell's ability to maintain his velocity deep into games is a key factor in his effectiveness. Many pitchers see a drop in velocity as they tire, but Snell is able to hold his own, allowing him to remain effective even in the later innings. This is a testament to his conditioning and his efficient mechanics.
Another important aspect of Snell's pitching speed is how it affects the movement of his pitches. The faster a pitch is thrown, the more it tends to move. This is because the air resistance has a greater effect on the ball at higher speeds. Snell's fastball, in particular, benefits from this effect. It has late life and good arm-side run, making it difficult for hitters to square up. His curveball also benefits from its velocity. The slower speed allows the pitch to break more sharply, making it even more deceptive. By understanding how speed affects movement, Snell is able to maximize the effectiveness of his pitches and keep hitters guessing.
Pitching speed also plays a crucial role in Snell's ability to locate his pitches. The faster he throws, the less time the hitter has to react, making it more difficult for them to adjust to pitches on the corners of the plate. This allows Snell to get away with pitches that might otherwise be hit hard. Furthermore, his command of different speeds allows him to work the entire strike zone. He can elevate the fastball for a strikeout, or he can bury the curveball for a ground ball. This versatility makes him a difficult pitcher to predict, and it's a major reason why he's been so successful in his career.
Factors Influencing Pitching Speed
Several factors contribute to Blake Snell's impressive pitching speed. These include his physical attributes, mechanics, training regimen, and mental approach. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in maximizing his velocity and maintaining it throughout the season.
Snell's physical attributes, such as his height, weight, and arm length, provide a solid foundation for generating velocity. A taller pitcher, like Snell, typically has a longer stride, which allows them to generate more power from their lower body. His weight and muscle mass also contribute to his ability to throw hard. However, physical attributes alone are not enough. Snell's mechanics are just as important, if not more so.
His pitching mechanics are incredibly efficient and allow him to transfer energy from his lower body to his upper body effectively. He has a smooth, fluid delivery with minimal wasted movement. This allows him to generate maximum velocity with minimal effort. Snell also has excellent arm speed, which is a key factor in throwing hard. He's able to whip his arm through the strike zone quickly, generating tremendous power. However, good mechanics require constant maintenance and refinement. Snell works closely with his coaches to ensure that his mechanics are sound and that he's not developing any bad habits.
Snell's training regimen is also crucial for maintaining his pitching speed. He focuses on building strength and flexibility, particularly in his legs, core, and shoulders. He also does a lot of work to improve his cardiovascular fitness. This allows him to maintain his velocity deep into games and throughout the season. Snell's training regimen is not just about lifting weights; it's also about proper nutrition and recovery. He eats a healthy diet and gets plenty of sleep. He also uses techniques such as massage and ice baths to help his body recover after workouts and games. Maintaining peak physical condition is essential for Snell to consistently deliver high-velocity pitches.
Beyond the physical aspects, the mental side of pitching also plays a significant role. Snell's mental approach is all about confidence and focus. He believes in his ability to throw strikes and get hitters out. He also has a strong mental game, allowing him to stay calm and composed in pressure situations. His ability to stay focused and block out distractions allows him to execute his pitches with precision, regardless of the game's intensity. Mental fortitude is just as critical as physical strength when it comes to maintaining high pitching speeds and overall performance.
Snell's Evolution and Future Projections
Throughout his career, Blake Snell has continually evolved as a pitcher, making adjustments to his mechanics, pitch selection, and strategy. Looking ahead, it's exciting to consider how he might further develop and refine his game. Snell has shown a willingness to experiment with new grips, arm angles, and pitch types. These adjustments can lead to improvements in velocity, movement, and command.
One area where Snell could potentially improve is his command. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he has also struggled with consistency at times. If he can refine his mechanics and improve his ability to repeat his delivery, he could become even more dominant. Another area to watch is his pitch selection. Snell has a diverse repertoire, but he could benefit from using his secondary pitches more strategically. By mixing his pitches more effectively, he can keep hitters off balance and prevent them from sitting on his fastball. Snell's physical conditioning will continue to play a crucial role in his performance. As he gets older, he'll need to focus on maintaining his strength and flexibility to prevent injuries and maintain his velocity.
With his talent, work ethic, and dedication, Blake Snell has the potential to be one of the top pitchers in baseball for many years to come. His ability to consistently throw his fastball in the mid-90s, combined with his devastating curveball and deceptive changeup, makes him a formidable opponent for any hitter. As he continues to evolve and refine his game, it will be exciting to see what he can accomplish.
Guys, keep an eye on Blake Snell. He is always looking for ways to improve his game, so we are likely to see new developments in his pitching style. Whether it's a subtle change in his grip or a new approach to pitch selection, Snell is sure to keep us on our toes. That's all for now! Let's look forward to watching him dominate on the mound for years to come!
