Pitch classification is not an exact science. It requires a lot of review and rechecks over time to ensure no funny IDs have snuck in and that a pitcher’s arsenel is accurately reflected. That last point can be the most difficult, especially if a pitcher changes things over time. And then there are changes in […]

Craig Kimbrel throws a nasty breaking ball. He grips it like a spike slider (maybe) and the ball moves like a curveball (sort of). It’s a relatively short curveball, but one moving upwards of 87 mph when it leaves Kimbrel’s hand. The combination of speed and drop are unparalleled in the major leagues today. Checkout […]

Cliff Lee can be described as a surgeon. Hitters may feel more like he’s performing a vivisection, but that’s just a matter of perspective. Lee’s impressive collection of scalpels includes a cutter, curve, sinker, change-up and slider. But it’s his fifth pitch, a four-seam fastball, which is our focal point for the moment. Specifically, where […]

It’s been a crazy offseason in St. Louis. Along with some new faces—or old ones in new roles—the Cardinals fans will be reacquainted with the second dome on their two-headed ace. New elbow not withstanding, it stands to reason that the youthful Adam Wainwright will return as 1a, not 1b, over the slowly, but gracefully, […]

Nor we will use a lame hops-and-barley metaphor for creating the right mix for 2012.

Looking at the freshly minted NL Central champs

This once-hot division battle has cooled completely

The National League Central is a four-team battle. (Plus PITCH-f/x team performance)

A bounty of PITCHf/x from the prospects in Phoenix.

Pitching woes and wows.