"Last season, Washington leaned heavily on the fastball, leading the league in heater usage. Hitters eventually caught on and often sat on the pitch. This Spring Training we are seeing fewer fastballs. Pitching is the art of deception. Part of deceiving is not being predictable."
"Coaches have encouraged pitchers to mix more breaking balls and off-speed pitches, focusing on movement and deception rather than simply establishing the fastball early. The focus is on sequencing and leaning on each pitcher's best weapons."
"Fully healthy again, he's touching 97 mph while mixing in a sharp new sweeper that hitters have struggled to square up. Cavalli said that the coaches called him on a ZOOM called and literally showed him the pitch grip on the screen."
The Nationals' Spring Training camp reflects a purposeful organizational shift under President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni and manager Blake Butera. A significant change is occurring in pitching strategy. Last season, Washington led the league in fastball usage, but hitters adapted by sitting on the pitch. This spring, coaches are encouraging pitchers to throw fewer fastballs and focus on sequencing, movement, and deception. Pitchers are mixing more breaking balls and off-speed pitches tailored to each player's strengths. Cade Cavalli exemplifies this approach, touching 97 mph while incorporating a sharp new sweeper. Coaches conducted individual video calls with pitchers to teach new pitch grips and sharpen existing pitches, fundamentally changing the staff's approach.
Read at TalkNats.com
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