Rivera's new pitch

by Edwantsacracker on Mar 24, 2007 9:13 PM EDT

I heard the other day that Mariano has been working most of the spring trying to add (or re-add) a pitch to his arsenal. He has been working on a new change-up and I was wondering if anyone had heard anything more technical about it.

Here's what I do know:

Mariano used to have a great change-up that used to be his best pitch.

I believe when he threw it he was throwing a circle change.

He gave up that pitch when he started throwing his cut fastball. The rotation of his forearm was different enough so that it wasn't fooling anyone.

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I think that Mo has been looking at his own blown saves and asking himself what happened. Some batters around the league have seen that cutter enough that they have an idea of what to do with it.

I am surprised that Mariano is trying something so different for him after all this years after doing the same thing. After all, he is famous for being a mentor for the younger players. One of the things he is famous for telling them is not to make adjustments if the hitters aren't hitting you.

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Well I saw it

I saw the change! He threw a few last time I watched a ST game. He did fool people with it and I think he threw too many cause he was working on it. We'll see if it gets thrown in the crunch. I wouldn't bet too much on it.

I did not hear how he threw it.

What makes a good manager?....Good Players. (Yogi)

by Cbeck3 on Mar 24, 2007 9:48 PM EDT reply actions

As far as I know...

Mariano is always throwing a couple of other pitches during spring training. Once it gets down to the season, though, you can count on him throwing cutters.

by PsiFighter37 on Mar 25, 2007 12:17 AM EDT reply actions

So far...

He's thrown 8 innings this spring, allowed 3 baserunners? Looks like he's doing fine with or without the change.

by SP on Mar 25, 2007 9:17 AM EDT reply actions

Good move by Mo

I think its a smart move--even if he doesn't throw it often. He got the press talking about it, and he threw it enough this spring to have it in the backs of hitters minds. Brilliant!

This is what pitching is all about. Getting into the heads of the guys swinging the sticks.

He's a pitcher--not a thrower... plus he knows he's on the downturn--or at least that it is coming eventually. Why not mess around and see if you can add another pitch and maybe another three-year mega deal.

by Ronster22 on Mar 26, 2007 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

Does anyone know how is throwing the change?

that was what I was really hoping someone would chip in when I made the diary. It can't be the same one as before, because hitters would easily recognize his arm rotation.

Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and f*** the prom queen.

by Edwantsacracker on Mar 27, 2007 10:09 AM EDT reply actions

I haven't seen it

but everyone says it's a split-change, which is a combination I haven't heard before. But I would bet he throws it sort of like a forkball, rammed into his palm between index and middle finger. This would also explain why he throws it in the dirt so often.

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Mar 27, 2007 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

He threw

two of them on consecutive pitches and struck out Ryan Howard last week. Then he turned around and he and Jeter were laughing hysterically. So I don't think he gonna bust it out with a one run lead and men on base, but it's still a nice thing to have in his back pocket on days he might be feeling a little tired.

by matthaggs on Mar 27, 2007 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Was there a radar gun on him?

How much is the speed difference?

Losers always whine about their best. Winners go home and f*** the prom queen.

by Edwantsacracker on Mar 27, 2007 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Guess

you'll have to wait til the regular season to know. If you want me to take your ticket to opening day so that you can be sure what pitch Mo throws, just say so...

We're reaching the point where you can either be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick.

by jscape2000 on Mar 28, 2007 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions