Blake Snell's Pitching Arsenal: A Closer Look

Blake Snell, a name synonymous with pitching prowess, owes much of his success to a diverse and devastating arsenal of pitches. For those wondering what makes Blake Snell so effective on the mound, the answer lies in the variety, velocity, and movement of his pitches. Let's dive deep into each weapon in his repertoire, exploring how he uses them to keep hitters guessing and racking up those strikeouts.

Fastball: The Foundation

Every pitcher needs a reliable fastball, and for Blake Snell, it’s a pitch he utilizes effectively to establish the strike zone and set up his off-speed offerings. Snell's fastball typically sits in the low to mid-90s, but it's not just about velocity. The key to Blake Snell's fastball is its late life and subtle movement. He commands it well, locating it on both sides of the plate and elevating it for swing-and-misses. He'll use his fastball to challenge hitters early in the count, especially those who are known fastball hitters. By establishing the fastball, he forces hitters to respect its velocity, making his off-speed pitches even more effective. Furthermore, Snell's ability to locate his fastball allows him to exploit hitters' weaknesses and keep them off balance. He might throw a fastball up and away to a right-handed hitter, then follow it with a breaking ball down and in. This constant variation keeps hitters guessing and prevents them from getting comfortable at the plate. In high-pressure situations, Snell isn't afraid to lean on his fastball. When he needs a strike, he trusts his ability to locate it and get ahead in the count. This confidence in his fastball is a crucial component of his success. The fastball serves as the foundation upon which he builds his entire pitching strategy. Without a reliable fastball, his other pitches wouldn't be nearly as effective. So, while it might not be the flashiest pitch in his arsenal, the fastball is arguably the most important.

Curveball: The Deceptive Bender

Next up is the curveball, a pitch that adds a significant dimension to Snell's arsenal. Blake Snell's curveball is known for its sharp, late break, often diving out of the strike zone at the last moment. This makes it incredibly difficult for hitters to make solid contact, resulting in weak ground balls, awkward swings, and plenty of strikeouts. The curveball is typically thrown with significant topspin, causing it to drop rapidly as it approaches the plate. The velocity of Snell's curveball usually sits in the low-to-mid 70s, creating a significant difference in speed compared to his fastball. This difference in velocity is a key factor in its effectiveness. Hitters have to adjust their timing significantly, making it challenging to square up the pitch. Snell uses his curveball in a variety of situations. He'll often throw it as a first-pitch strike, especially against aggressive hitters who are looking to jump on the fastball. He also uses it effectively in two-strike counts, burying it in the dirt to induce swings and misses. The curveball is particularly effective against right-handed hitters, as the late break moves it away from them. However, Snell isn't afraid to throw it to left-handed hitters as well, often using it to steal a strike or set up another pitch. What makes Snell's curveball so deceptive is his ability to disguise it. He throws it with the same arm action as his fastball, making it difficult for hitters to pick up the difference in pitch type until it's too late. This deception, combined with the pitch's sharp break, makes it a nightmare for hitters to face. The curveball is a crucial weapon in Snell's arsenal, allowing him to keep hitters off balance and generate weak contact. It's a pitch that he has mastered, and it's a big reason why he's one of the most effective pitchers in the game.

Slider: The Sharp Cutter

Another crucial pitch in Snell’s repertoire is his slider, offering yet another variation in speed and movement to disrupt hitters' timing and expectations. Snell's slider is a sharp, late-breaking pitch that he uses to generate swings and misses and induce weak contact. It's typically thrown with a velocity in the mid-80s, making it faster than his curveball but slower than his fastball. The slider's movement is primarily horizontal, cutting across the plate and away from right-handed hitters. This makes it a particularly effective weapon against righties, as it's difficult for them to keep the ball fair. Snell uses his slider in a variety of situations. He'll often throw it early in the count to steal a strike or get ahead of the hitter. He also uses it effectively in two-strike counts, burying it in the dirt or throwing it off the plate to induce swings and misses. The slider is also a good pitch for inducing weak contact, as hitters often have trouble squaring it up. One of the keys to Snell's slider is its consistency. He's able to throw it with good command, locating it where he wants it and keeping it out of the heart of the plate. This consistency allows him to use it effectively in a variety of situations and against a variety of hitters. Snell's slider is a valuable weapon in his arsenal, giving him another way to attack hitters and keep them off balance. It's a pitch that he has developed into a reliable strikeout weapon, and it's a big reason why he's one of the most successful pitchers in the game. He also uses the slider to keep hitters guessing, changing speeds and locations to keep them from getting comfortable at the plate. The slider is a versatile pitch that Snell uses to his advantage, making him a tough matchup for any hitter.

Changeup: The Speed Changer

To truly keep hitters guessing, a changeup is essential, and Blake Snell features a changeup that adds another layer of complexity to his pitching strategy. Blake Snell's changeup is designed to disrupt hitters' timing and force them to swing early. It's thrown with the same arm action as his fastball, but with significantly less velocity, typically sitting in the low 80s. This difference in velocity is what makes the changeup so effective. Hitters gear up for the fastball, and then the changeup arrives much slower than expected, causing them to swing too early and miss the ball or make weak contact. Snell primarily uses his changeup against right-handed hitters. The pitch has a natural arm-side run, moving away from righties and making it difficult for them to square it up. He'll often throw it in situations where he wants to induce a ground ball or a weak fly ball. The changeup is also a good pitch for getting ahead in the count, as hitters are often surprised by the change of pace. What makes Snell's changeup particularly effective is his ability to maintain his arm speed. He throws it with the same arm action as his fastball, making it difficult for hitters to pick up the difference in pitch type until it's too late. This deception, combined with the pitch's change of pace, makes it a very difficult pitch to hit. The changeup is an important part of Snell's arsenal, giving him another way to attack hitters and keep them off balance. It's a pitch that he has developed into a reliable weapon, and it's a big reason why he's one of the most successful pitchers in the game. With this pitch, Snell can change the game.

Command and Control: The Intangibles

Beyond the individual pitches, Blake Snell's command and control are crucial elements of his success. While he has been known to have occasional bouts of wildness, when he's on, he can pinpoint his pitches with remarkable accuracy. Command refers to a pitcher's ability to throw strikes consistently, while control refers to the ability to locate pitches in specific areas of the strike zone. Snell's ability to command his fastball allows him to get ahead in the count and put hitters in defensive positions. His control of his off-speed pitches allows him to exploit hitters' weaknesses and induce swings and misses. Snell's improved command and control have been key factors in his development as a top-tier pitcher. By being able to consistently locate his pitches, he's able to keep hitters guessing and prevent them from getting comfortable at the plate. This allows him to maximize the effectiveness of his entire arsenal. Furthermore, Snell's mental approach on the mound is also a key factor in his success. He's known for his competitive spirit and his willingness to battle through tough situations. This mental toughness allows him to stay focused and execute his game plan, even when things aren't going his way. So, while the pitches themselves are impressive, it's Snell's command, control, and mental toughness that truly elevate him to the elite level. These intangibles are what separate good pitchers from great ones.

In conclusion, Blake Snell's effectiveness stems from a combination of a diverse arsenal, each pitch offering a unique challenge to hitters. From his fastball's subtle movement to his curveball's sharp break and his slider's deceptive cut, Snell keeps hitters guessing. This, coupled with his changeup and command, makes him a formidable force on the mound.