- Thread starter
- #1
Omar 382
Well-Known Member
How many times do you hear about a pitcher being commended for his usage of his changeup against the opposite-handed hitter? Felix Hernandez against lefties; Cole Hamels against righties. It appears that things are changing. Check out this graphic.

In 2007, righty on righty changeup percentage was just above 5%. Last year, righties threw it 6.50% of the time to righties, and this year, it looks to be around 6.60 or 6.70%. Is it working? Look at this graphic. (EDIT: Graphic won't display)
Swinging strike percentage on the pitch vs. righties is 21% this year, up from 17% last year and 13% in 2009. Ground-ball rates are also at their highest in the last three years in the PITCHf/x era.
So what does this mean? It is too small a sample size- righties may just be surprised at seeing a pitch they've never seen and could adjust in the next 10 years. But I think it intuitively makes sense. There is no reason I can think of as to why to RHP can't throw changeups against righties. When placed right, it can look like a fastball that will just fall off the plate. I am curious to see if hitters will adjust or if we will see a lasting change in how pitchers throw their changeups, or even sliders, to left-handed and right-handed batters.

In 2007, righty on righty changeup percentage was just above 5%. Last year, righties threw it 6.50% of the time to righties, and this year, it looks to be around 6.60 or 6.70%. Is it working? Look at this graphic. (EDIT: Graphic won't display)

Swinging strike percentage on the pitch vs. righties is 21% this year, up from 17% last year and 13% in 2009. Ground-ball rates are also at their highest in the last three years in the PITCHf/x era.
So what does this mean? It is too small a sample size- righties may just be surprised at seeing a pitch they've never seen and could adjust in the next 10 years. But I think it intuitively makes sense. There is no reason I can think of as to why to RHP can't throw changeups against righties. When placed right, it can look like a fastball that will just fall off the plate. I am curious to see if hitters will adjust or if we will see a lasting change in how pitchers throw their changeups, or even sliders, to left-handed and right-handed batters.