Four-seam Fastballs (FA)
Taking all the data for all FAs thrown in 2017 produces the following grades (each grade is a standard deviation away from the mean):
vFA = velocity
X = horizontal movement
Z = vertical movement
Grade vFA X Z
80 99.5 10.5 12.5
70 97.5 8.7 11.4
60 95.4 6.9 10.2
50 93.3 5.2 9.1
40 91.2 3.4 7.9
30 89.1 1.6 6.8
20 87.0 0 5.6
Adding a 1 MPH boost to all LHers yields the following grades for all Braves pitchers:
Notes on the FAs that matter:
Viz and Gohara undoubtedly have the best FAs on the team. Both pair plus-plus velocity with average or better movement to form a pitch that is nearly elite (grade ~75 overall).
The fact Gohara can maintain that FA over 80+ pitches is special. No other SP in the game not named Syndergaard can do it. His FA is the cream of the crop as far as LHed SPs are concerned.
Folty and Newk both pair plus velocity with plus movement, forming pitches that are easily grade 65 overall. Both are likely into their decline phase for their velocity, but those pitches were both weapons in 2017.
Fried pairs average velocity with poor movement. His FA is very straight, and is not a good pitch overall. He generates the least rise of all FAs on the team, and he should really abandon that pitch in favor of a two-seamer or sinker.
Teheran's FA is worse than I thought. He should also abandon this pitch.
Sims...same boat as Teheran.
Reply With Quote