As far as the Hammons kid.....I am looking at his UK Showcase Evaluation from this last December and he was clocked with the following:

 

Fastball Average Velocity: 84mph Movement 40 Command 38

Curveball Average Velocity: 69mph Movement 40 Command 38

ChangeUp Average Velocity: 68mph Movement 38 Command 40

 

The Grading Scale is:

35-39 Above average high school ability level

40-44 College ability level

 

He was consistently clocked at 86 this last summer.....struck out 30 batters in 2 games at one point and the team went on to win the City Tournament at Crosley Field.

 

By the way that was during his Sophmore season.

 

Not to at all imply any of the above is not impressive, but I am surprised at the mph drop in his curveball relative to his fastball and change. I wouldn't be surprised if at some point someone encourages him to throw a bit harder breaking pitch.

Not to at all imply any of the above is not impressive, but I am surprised at the mph drop in his curveball relative to his fastball and change. I wouldn't be surprised if at some point someone encourages him to throw a bit harder breaking pitch.

 

I guess that's what you call his SWEEPING curve ball.

There have been many comments by numerous people at games as to his "nasty" curveball, but then again he just started throwing it last summer. He is a junior this year.

There have been many comments by numerous people at games as to his "nasty" curveball, but then again he just started throwing it last summer. He is a junior this year.

 

I remember when my son used to throw that type of SWEEPING curve ball, started it at the right handed hitters head and as they bailed out it broke down the middle. Later he threw it more like a cut fastball, less hand turnover, looked like a fastball but cut sharply near the plate. Both are effective, the latter is easier on the arm.

Not to at all imply any of the above is not impressive, but I am surprised at the mph drop in his curveball relative to his fastball and change. I wouldn't be surprised if at some point someone encourages him to throw a bit harder breaking pitch.

I've talked with many College coaches and some vary, from 13-18 mph difference between 4 seam FB and 12/6 Curve.

 

I'm very comfortable with a 15mph difference, if the Change is similar to the speed of the curve, which in this case it is. Add a Slider in upper 70's, FB at 84, CV at 69 and CH at 68....is a very good difference in rotation and velocity.

 

The ability to locate, is the key on the pitches with similar velocity.

Sainola throws pretty hard

I've talked with many College coaches and some vary, from 13-18 mph difference between 4 seam FB and 12/6 Curve.

 

I'm very comfortable with a 15mph difference, if the Change is similar to the speed of the curve, which in this case it is. Add a Slider in upper 70's, FB at 84, CV at 69 and CH at 68....is a very good difference in rotation and velocity.

 

The ability to locate, is the key on the pitches with similar velocity.

 

Very few high schoolers throw a slider. It is the pitch that probably puts the most stress on an arm (yes, more than a properly throw curve ball). Personally, I'd rather see a greater variance between a curve ball speed and changeup speed, as it gives more problems for the hitter to adjust to and usually results in a tighter breaking curve, as opposed to a "slurve" type of pitch. You can get away with a slurve in high school, but it becomes much tougher beyond that level.

Sainola throws pretty hard

 

Yep, but I think he also falls into the category of not being able to consistently throw his fastball for strikes, does he not?

Very few high schoolers throw a slider. It is the pitch that probably puts the most stress on an arm (yes, more than a properly throw curve ball). Personally, I'd rather see a greater variance between a curve ball speed and changeup speed, as it gives more problems for the hitter to adjust to and usually results in a tighter breaking curve, as opposed to a "slurve" type of pitch. You can get away with a slurve in high school, but it becomes much tougher beyond that level.

This is often been the perception but not accurate, regarding a slider. Many often state it put additional stress on the arm but no more than a curve and in some instances, fastballs. The stress comes from twisting/turning and snapping the elbow quickly, which can happen in varied deliveries.

 

Sliders can be thrown with minimal stress, if a proper grip is used. The standard 2-seam grip, with the middle finger placed on the right of the seam and the index, on the left of the seam (outside seam). Then throw with normal fastball motion and 3"-4" inches of downward movement will ocurr.

 

Stress is no different than other pitches. The snap from the old sliders, is certainly harmful to the elbow and tendons. Many programs are teaching "cutters" and that is closely related to the slider.

This is often been the perception but not accurate, regarding a slider. Many often state it put additional stress on the arm but no more than a curve and in some instances, fastballs. The stress comes from twisting/turning and snapping the elbow quickly, which can happen in varied deliveries.

 

Sliders can be thrown with minimal stress, if a proper grip is used. The standard 2-seam grip, with the middle finger placed on the right of the seam and the index, on the left of the seam (outside seam). Then throw with normal fastball motion and 3"-4" inches of downward movement will ocurr.

 

Stress is no different than other pitches. The snap from the old sliders, is certainly harmful to the elbow and tendons. Many programs are teaching "cutters" and that is closely related to the slider, however.

 

I would consider what you are describing as a cutter and not a true slider. A "true" slider does indeed involve a turning of a wrist late in the throwing process, thus the reason it places added stress on the arm/elbow. I would agree that the pitch you are describing is both an effective pitch and far safer than (what I consider to be ) a true slider.

 

I did find some stats relative to average speeds of some major league pitches. The average major league fastball is 90 mph, while the average major league curve ball is 77. So, yes, you are right about the 13 mph spread IF the fastball basis is 90 mph. However, for someone that is throwing an 84 mph fastball, to keep the same ratio as the major league averages, the curveball should be closer to the 72 mph range.

How does Towles look on the mound at Highlands? With the Jim Bunning bloodlines you would think he would have some talent. He looks like he has grown to about 6'3 or so and isnt he a lefty? Velocity?

High 80's is very strong. I've never heard of the kid, but if If he throws in the high 80's he will be dominating and we should be hearing about him very soon. That's division 1 velocity. What year is he? Does he play summer ball?

 

He's a junior and I'm sure he plays summer ball, but have no idea with who. I have to admit I was surprised when I was told this. I knew he threw hard, but I didn't know he was at that clip. Kids from the smaller schools have a tendency to get passed over in the recognition department.

He's a junior and I'm sure he plays summer ball, but have no idea with who. I have to admit I was surprised when I was told this. I knew he threw hard, but I didn't know he was at that clip. Kids from the smaller schools have a tendency to get passed over in the recognition department.

 

Yes they do

Very true, he was not very consistent. (Sainola). Did he have any varsity innings?

How does Towles look on the mound at Highlands? With the Jim Bunning bloodlines you would think he would have some talent. He looks like he has grown to about 6'3 or so and isnt he a lefty? Velocity?

 

I was told he had a very good summer and can pitch in college.