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baseballnation
25 Posts |
 Posted - 09/01/2009 : 10:13:06
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I'm posting this topic for a couple of reasons. One, I'm interested in the answer. Two, I think the EC thread is totally exhausted and it'd be nice to talk about something else.
Question -- what will happen with 14u pitchers who are new or almost new to the 60 foot mound? Will batters have the edge this season or will pitchers adjust and improve, especially since they're probably all growing fast? What will velocity look like? |
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bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 11:31:17
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There will be a difference. 1st of all, velocity will remain about the same. By that I mean, the 60'6" mound will not change velocity. It will give the batters more time to react to the pitches though. Pitchers will continue to increase their velocity at the normal rate, but the 6 1/2 feet will be an advantage to the batters. Pitchers will not be able to blow as many pitches by the batters. Location will become much more important. Change of speed will become much more important. If you can set up your fastball with some off speed pitches, it can still seem fast, but without the off speed, the fastball will be hittable.
The other factor is the longer bases. The advantage here goes to the defense. The weak bloopers over the infield will become routine outs. Infielders will have more time to make the play to first on grounders.
Stronger arms and speed will start to prevail. There will be kids who cannot make the transition successfully.
Anyway, in regard to your original question to pitching, like I said, location will become much more important due to the increased reaction time for the batters. |
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Alter-Ego
802 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 14:20:21
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As bballman mentioned, moving pitches will become necessary. Whether that is a breaking pitch, a moving fast ball, or a well spotted change-up. It will be harder to blow fastball after fastball past batters. As was stated, other pitches will be needed to set up the fastball, and vise versa.
Speed in the outfield will become a big difference. Pitchers that have fast supporting players in the OF can make the pitches they want and know the will get the defensive help. Some players will have to adjust to the space out there.
Now it is the last field size change. Thank goodness. |
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