USG: Trackman Traits: Best Pitches

August 5, 2021
Mason McRae
PBR Virginia/DC

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The expanded usage of data, and the importance of it in regards to player development and player assessment is a legitimate, undeniable tool used by high school, college, and professional teams across the country. Today we break down some of the data from our Unsigned Seniors Event. See which pitches stood out in regards to Trackman data.

Glossary Terms Intro & Links:

Induced Vertical Break: IVB
Vertical Approach Angle: VAA
Horizontal Break: HB
Release Speed: RS or Velo
Release Height: RH or RelHei

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Parker Hogge

Class of 2022 / RHP

Player Information

Graduating Class: 2022
Primary Position: RHP

Secondary Position: 3B
High School: Patriot

State: VA
Summer Team: Stars Showcase Baseball
Height: 6-2

Weight: 205lbs
Bat/Throw: R/R

Parker Hogge’s slider: Was the only pitcher to throw his slider with an IVB and HB between -3 to 3 inches. Which likely means he had one of the lower spin efficiencies and highest gyro degree. He threw it the hardest at 76-77, hitting 77.3 mph. Optimized the low-spin pitch by reducing lift (which helps create minimal true spin) and producing a spin profile with almost entirely gyro spin. Was also one of the few pitchers to have a RelHei/extension on his SL be within 0.3 feet of his FB.

Andrew Bottari’s curveball: Showed feel for it, throwing it in zone more than every CB at the event outside of one. Has extreme downer tilt, but low efficiency so he’s creating above average vertical drop (third-most of event) and very little lateral movement. Had one pitch with -13.4 inches of IVB, and even created slight sweep on one pitch with 10.3 inches of HB. It’s a true CB shape at 61-64 mph. The shape isn’t great, but his feel for the pitch makes it play up and the movement was solid when he was able to keep his axis counter-clockwise from 7:00.

Charles Monterrosa’s fastball: Averaged the most IVB (22.1 inches) thanks in part to a vertical slot (which gives him a somewhat high release height) and vertical axis. The swing has almost no horizontal movement and a high spin efficiency with complete backspin. Up to 82.9 mph with it, averaged out at 81.4 mph. Has slightly flat VAA and due to release/shape would benefit most from elevating the FB in the zone as opposed to throwing it down in the zone.