There is a lot of science behind the art of pitching.
Fluidity, inertia, harmony… and many other concepts.
Pitchers must be able to create lower-body strength and use it to start a coordinated series of movements that range from the legs, the hips, the torso, and the arm.
To be really, really good at what they do, pitchers need to be able to repeat their delivery.
Toronto Blue Jays starter Alek Manoah has been incredibly good since entering the league in 2021.
He had a 3.22 ERA that year and followed that up with a 2.24 mark in 2022.
This year, however, he has struggled badly with a 6.36 ERA.
As specialists, fans, coaches, and instructors try to identify what’s wrong with Manoah or his delivery, former baseball player and current Blue Jays commentator Buck Martinez identified something.
“Buck Martinez hit the nail on the head last night. He picked up on Manoah almost ‘backing off’ his delivery/release. It’s like a golf swing.. you want everything to be smooth, but your point of most acceleration & most ‘violence’ should be at release/point of impact,” producer Chris Black tweeted.
Buck Martinez hit the nail on the head last night.
He picked up on Manoah almost "backing off" his delivery/release.
It's like a golf swing.. you want everything to be smooth, but your point of most acceleration & most "violence" should be at release/point of impact. pic.twitter.com/MJRbUoUaO1
— Chris Black (@DownToBlack) June 6, 2023
In fact, Manoah does appear to reach this point of “most violence” before actually releasing the ball towards home plate.
As a result, his pitchers don’t have the same “zip” as they used to.
Even if his average fastball velocity is not that far from where it was last year, his pitches don’t have the same life and his control has been a huge issue.
Perhaps it’s something he will work on during his time in the minors.
NEXT: Fans React To Today's Alek Manoah News
