Pitching Mechanics Voiceover: Max Scherzer
May 6, 2008 – 3:48 am
Max Scherzer, a 23-year old fireballing righty with the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been the pitching prospect everyone’s been talking about since his relief appearance versus the Astros last week.
I’ve done a video analysis with voiceover that clocks in at about 15 minutes total and can be watched after the jump. I hadn’t done much analysis on Scherzer until I did the video, so you can get an insight on how I approach the analysis of pitching mechanics on my site.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know! This is a first for Driveline Mechanics and your input will help me shape it in the future - tell me what you liked and didn’t like.
16 Responses to “Pitching Mechanics Voiceover: Max Scherzer”
Incredible work Kyle. I like the way you take in the health of the pitcher while also putting in perfromance. Keep up the good work I will be checking in all the time.
By Mash on May 6, 2008
fwiw, I much prefer the written word. It’s easier to pick out what you want to read. Thanks for the effort, though.
By studes on May 6, 2008
In my opinion this is even better than the written analysis. It gives a better idea of how you break down the pitcher point by point.
By taro on May 6, 2008
Excellent!!! I truly enjoyed the video voice over and picked up some things I had not noticed when I was doing my own evaluation - in particular breaking his arm in the follow-through. I was especially happy with his leg drive and aggressive release but I can see where that abrupt stop could be stressful.
In any event, I loved it! Awhile back I asked for an evaluation of Mariners prospect Phillipe Aumont and would REALLY like that to end up being a voice over.
Thanks again for the fantastic work!
Brad
By Brad on May 6, 2008
Brad,
I can’t find any video of Phillipe Aumont, and I only live by the AAA Tacoma Rainiers and the short-season Everett Aquasox. Aumont is playing for the class A affiliate of the Mariners - the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. So, if anyone’s in Wisconsin and wants to get video of him for me, I will gladly break it down. Otherwise, I can’t do it.
By Kyle on May 6, 2008
Just wanted to say this is awesome. I hope you keep it up, its great hearing someone with a lot of pitching know how dissect interesting pitchers.
one question. if scherzer were able to let his arm on follow through go back naturally instead of breaking could he be a viable long term starter? (i read your newest post showing that he does indeed have a great changeup)
Also, I admit I’m biased as a Royals fan but I’d love to see Zack Greinke. Or maybe Joakim Soria and how viable of a starter he could be given an analysis of his mechanics. I’ve heard similar negative things about Soria’s finish. He just seems to have have three to four average to plus pitches I’d love to see him start.
By Jeffrey Needham on May 7, 2008
Jeff,
You’re in luck. I analyzed both Greinke and Soria earlier on the site for the fans at Royals Review.
Soria’s followthrough is indeed quite poor.
By Kyle on May 7, 2008
Jeff,
Forgot your other question. Yes, I think if he fixes his followthrough, he will be in better shape. However, he is still late at footstrike, which is a major problem.
By Kyle on May 7, 2008
Really liked the video analysis. The insight into how you analyze a pitcher’s mechanics was more educational then reading your thoughts and trying to line them up/extract them from a clip myself.
Thanks.
By SL__72 on May 7, 2008
Hi Kyle,
Great job with the video, and breaking it down and finding some flaws in the delivery. I did have some comments regarding your references to the anatomy and what structures are being stressed/used, especially with regards to decelerator muscles after release. I posted a brief article on my site regarding this, and just wanted to clarify some inaccuracies. Keep up the diligent work…the videos are very helpful!
Chris
By Chris on May 10, 2008
Just found your web site and I like what I have seen so far. As a pitching instructor, one cannot get too much information and analysis. I am very impressed with your speech, presentation skills, video, analysis and the professional way you carry on discussions. I’d like to chat with you some time on the phone or if you are ever in Atlanta/Cobb County’s East Cobb Baseball Complex.
I agree with your concern for this pitcher’s deceleration—wow! Hopefully the D-Backs will address it with Max soon. The late-arm (high cocked position) should also be addressed and I am curious as to what you’d suggest in the way of drills to possibly correct Max’s late arm action.
Thank you for the care you show our young pitchers and I look forward to reading in the future as well as the rest of my evening.
By J. Michael Blakely on May 11, 2008