Blake Snell's Unique Pitching Style: A Deep Dive

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into what makes Blake Snell such a captivating pitcher. Known for his electric stuff and at times, equally electric unpredictability, Snell has carved out a niche for himself in the MLB. In this article, we'll dissect his pitching style, exploring the mechanics, the repertoire, and the overall strategy that defines his presence on the mound.

Understanding Blake Snell's Mechanics

Blake Snell's mechanics are a fascinating blend of power and finesse, and it all starts with his unique delivery. Unlike some pitchers who emphasize a smooth, repeatable motion above all else, Snell's delivery features a noticeable degree of funk, which is a baseball term for unusual or unorthodox movements. This isn't to say his mechanics are unsound – far from it. Instead, it's a deliberate choice that adds to his deception and makes him difficult to time for opposing hitters. One of the key elements of Snell's mechanics is his high leg kick. As he begins his motion, he brings his front leg up high, almost to his chest. This serves several purposes. First, it allows him to generate considerable power as he drives towards the plate. The high leg kick creates a significant amount of stored energy, which he then unleashes as he moves forward. Second, the high leg kick adds to his deception. It obscures the ball from the hitter's view for a longer period, making it harder to pick up the release point and anticipate the pitch. Finally, it helps him maintain balance and control throughout his delivery. Following the leg kick, Snell's arm action is equally important. He utilizes a long, fluid arm motion that allows him to generate considerable velocity on his fastball. His arm works in a whiplike fashion, building momentum as it comes through his delivery. This arm action is crucial for both his fastball velocity and the sharp break on his breaking balls. Furthermore, Snell's release point is relatively consistent, which allows him to maintain control of his pitches despite the complexity of his mechanics. He typically releases the ball out in front of his body, which gives his pitches good extension and makes them appear even faster to the hitter. The combination of his high leg kick, long arm action, and consistent release point creates a pitching motion that is both powerful and deceptive, making him a difficult matchup for hitters of all types. To truly appreciate Snell's mechanics, one must consider the overall rhythm and timing of his delivery. He doesn't rush his motion but instead takes his time to gather himself and build momentum. This allows him to maintain control of his body and deliver his pitches with maximum velocity and accuracy. He understands the importance of staying balanced throughout his delivery and makes a conscious effort to do so. This balance is essential for maintaining consistency and avoiding injury. Snell's mechanics are a testament to his athleticism and dedication to his craft. He has worked hard to develop a delivery that maximizes his strengths and minimizes his weaknesses. While his mechanics may not be for everyone, they are undoubtedly effective for him. They allow him to generate impressive velocity, create deception, and maintain control of his pitches. As he continues to refine his mechanics, he has the potential to become one of the most dominant pitchers in the game.

A Look at Snell's Pitch Repertoire

When examining Blake Snell's pitch repertoire, it's clear that he's not just a one-trick pony. While his fastball is undoubtedly his primary weapon, he complements it with a diverse array of secondary pitches that keep hitters guessing and off-balance. Let's break down each of his offerings:

• Fastball: Snell's fastball typically sits in the mid-90s, often topping out at 97-98 mph. It's not just the velocity that makes it effective; it's also the late life and movement he generates on the pitch. He commands his fastball well, locating it in different parts of the strike zone to keep hitters from getting comfortable. The fastball is the foundation of Snell's game. He relies on it heavily to get ahead in counts and challenge hitters. Its velocity and movement make it difficult to hit squarely, and he uses it effectively to set up his other pitches. Snell varies his fastball usage depending on the situation and the hitter he's facing. He may throw it more frequently early in the game to establish his dominance or save it for key moments when he needs a strikeout. He also adjusts his location based on the hitter's tendencies, targeting weaknesses and exploiting vulnerabilities. The effectiveness of Snell's fastball is enhanced by his ability to tunnel it with his other pitches. Tunneling refers to the practice of throwing different pitches that look similar out of the hand but then diverge in different directions as they approach the plate. This makes it difficult for hitters to distinguish between pitches early in their flight, giving them less time to react. By tunneling his fastball with his changeup and curveball, Snell keeps hitters guessing and off-balance. He consistently works to improve his fastball command and control, focusing on hitting his spots with greater accuracy. He understands that even a small improvement in fastball command can make a big difference in his overall performance. He uses various drills and exercises to refine his mechanics and improve his ability to locate the pitch where he wants it. Snell also pays attention to his grip on the fastball, experimenting with different grips to find the one that gives him the best combination of velocity, movement, and control. He understands that even a slight adjustment in grip can have a significant impact on the pitch's characteristics. Snell's fastball is a dynamic and versatile weapon that he uses effectively to dominate hitters and control games. Its velocity, movement, and command make it a formidable pitch, and he continues to refine it and improve it over time.
• Changeup: His changeup is a crucial weapon in Snell's arsenal. Typically thrown with a significant velocity reduction compared to his fastball (often 10-15 mph slower). This change in speed is critical to disrupt hitter timing. The changeup is designed to look like a fastball out of the hand but then slow down dramatically as it approaches the plate. This deceives hitters, causing them to swing too early and miss the pitch or make weak contact. Snell's changeup is characterized by its arm-side fade. This movement away from right-handed hitters makes it particularly effective against them. The fade is generated by the way he grips the ball and the spin he imparts on it during release. Snell often uses his changeup to get ahead in counts. By throwing it early in the count, he can catch hitters off guard and establish a favorable situation for himself. This allows him to be more aggressive with his other pitches later in the at-bat. He is not afraid to throw his changeup in any situation, whether it's against a power hitter or a contact hitter, with runners on base or with the bases empty. His confidence in the pitch allows him to use it effectively regardless of the circumstances. Snell understands the importance of maintaining consistent arm speed when throwing his changeup. This helps to disguise the pitch and prevent hitters from picking up on the velocity difference too early. He practices throwing his changeup with the same arm speed as his fastball to make it more deceptive. Furthermore, Snell varies the location of his changeup to keep hitters guessing. He may throw it down in the zone to induce ground balls or up in the zone to generate swings and misses. By changing the location of the pitch, he makes it more difficult for hitters to anticipate. The changeup is not just a velocity differential; it's a pitch that requires finesse and deception. Snell has mastered the art of throwing his changeup in a way that maximizes its effectiveness. He continues to work on refining the pitch and improving its consistency. Snell's changeup is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his understanding of the nuances of pitching.
• Curveball: Snell's curveball is a knee-buckling breaking ball with sharp, downward movement. It's a pitch that he uses to generate swings and misses, especially against right-handed hitters. The curveball is characterized by its sweeping break. This break is generated by the way he grips the ball and the spin he imparts on it during release. The sweeping break makes it difficult for hitters to track the pitch and make solid contact. Snell often uses his curveball as an out pitch. When he needs to get a strikeout, he'll often turn to his curveball. Its sharp, downward movement makes it difficult to hit, and he uses it effectively to put hitters away. The curveball is not just a power pitch; it's also a pitch that requires precision and control. Snell has worked hard to develop the feel for his curveball and to be able to locate it where he wants it. He is not afraid to throw his curveball in any count. He has confidence in the pitch and is willing to use it in any situation. This makes him a more unpredictable and difficult pitcher to face. Snell understands the importance of varying the velocity and shape of his curveball. By changing the velocity and shape of the pitch, he keeps hitters guessing and off-balance. He may throw it harder for a strike or softer to induce a swing and miss. The curveball is a versatile pitch that can be used in a variety of ways. Snell has mastered the art of throwing his curveball and uses it effectively to dominate hitters. He continues to work on refining the pitch and improving its consistency. Snell's curveball is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his understanding of the nuances of pitching. It's a pitch that he takes great pride in and is always looking for ways to make it even better. The curveball is a weapon that he relies on heavily and has been a key to his success as a pitcher. With continued refinement and dedication, Snell's curveball has the potential to become one of the most dominant pitches in baseball.

Snell's ability to mix and match these pitches effectively is what makes him so tough to solve. He doesn't fall into predictable patterns and keeps hitters guessing about what's coming next. It's a testament to his intelligence and adaptability on the mound.

Snell's Overall Pitching Strategy

Blake Snell's overall pitching strategy is built around aggression and deception. He's not afraid to challenge hitters, and he trusts his stuff to get outs. However, he also understands the importance of mixing his pitches and keeping hitters off-balance. Snell's strategy begins with establishing his fastball. He wants to show hitters that he can throw it for strikes and that they have to respect it. This sets up his secondary pitches, which he uses to disrupt their timing and exploit their weaknesses. He does a great job locating his fastball in different areas of the strike zone. He'll throw it up in the zone to get swings and misses, down in the zone to induce ground balls, and on the corners to keep hitters guessing. This variety makes it difficult for hitters to get comfortable in the box. He doesn’t shy away from pitching inside. He understands that pitching inside is essential for keeping hitters honest and preventing them from crowding the plate. He'll use his fastball and changeup to work inside on hitters, making them think about the inner half of the plate. Furthermore, Snell excels at reading hitters and identifying their weaknesses. He pays attention to their tendencies, their swings, and their body language. This allows him to develop a plan of attack for each hitter and exploit their vulnerabilities. He also isn't afraid to adjust his approach mid-game. If something isn't working, he'll make changes to his strategy. This adaptability is a key part of what makes him successful. He mixes his pitches effectively, keeping hitters guessing about what's coming next. He'll throw his fastball in different locations and at different velocities. He'll also mix in his changeup and curveball to disrupt their timing. This unpredictability makes it difficult for hitters to get comfortable in the box. Snell's strategy is also built around confidence. He believes in his stuff and trusts that he can get outs. This confidence allows him to be aggressive and attack hitters. He understands that pitching is a mental game. He works hard to stay focused and maintain a positive attitude, even when things aren't going his way. He knows that he can't let his emotions affect his performance. To fully appreciate Snell's strategy, one must recognize the importance of preparation and scouting. He spends hours studying hitters and analyzing their tendencies. He works with his coaches to develop a game plan for each start. This preparation gives him a significant advantage on the mound. He also understands the importance of communication with his catcher. He and his catcher work together to develop a strategy for each hitter. They discuss their strengths and weaknesses and come up with a plan to exploit them. Snell's overall strategy is a combination of aggression, deception, and preparation. He's a smart pitcher who understands the game and knows how to get outs. His success is a testament to his hard work, his dedication, and his intelligence.

Blake Snell's pitching style is a unique combination of mechanics, repertoire, and strategy. While his mechanics might raise an eyebrow or two, they're undeniably effective in generating power and deception. His diverse pitch selection keeps hitters guessing, and his aggressive approach reflects his confidence in his abilities. It's this holistic approach that makes him one of the most intriguing and talented pitchers in baseball today.