At Baseball Analytics on Thursday, I took a look at the four best cut fastballs among relievers last season. Using their research tool and Fangraphs’ pitch run values, I assembled some heat maps that took a graphical look at what made each pitch different, yet similarly effective. I figured I could apply that same concept over here, where we all could take a look at the pitches Fangraphs ranked the best among the Philly staff. Why not?
The requirement is at least 40 innings pitched, and we’ll be using run value per 100 pitches to level the playing field among starters and relievers while ranking the three best pitchers per pitch.
Fastball
1. Roy Oswalt (opponents hit .126/.184/.214)
2. Ryan Madson (.231/.314/.308)
3. Cole Hamels (.246/.307/.401)
Changeup
1. Roy Oswalt (.138/.186/.237)
2. Ryan Madson (.127/.148/.241)
3. Chad Durbin (.156/.282/.188)
Slider
1. Brad Lidge (.148/.216/.222)
2. Jose Contreras (.200/.233/.200)
3. Roy Oswalt (.289/.302/.500)
Curveball
1. Roy Halladay (.188/.213/.312)
2. Chad Durbin (.125/.160/.250)
3. Joe Blanton (.193/.202/.349)
Cutter
1. Roy Halladay (.244/.257/.373)
2. Jamie Moyer (.244/.250/.488)
3. Joe Blanton (.233/.271/.300)
For a “quilt” of sorts comparing the top three pitchers for each pitch, click the corresponding thumbnails below.
Some Brief Observations
– Roy Halladay will throw his cutter where he darn well pleases, thank you very much.
– The strike rates for Lidge’s slider and Oswal’t changeup are interesting, with gaping holes right down the middle.
– Oswalt’s slider being third-best with that rather ugly slash line tells you all you need to know about slider quality depth on the staff.
– The precision of both Durbin’s change and Oswalt’s slider to righties is impressive.
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