Today we examine one of the most versatile, durable, and explosive pitchers of the modern baseball era. After 21 big league seasons, the majority of which with the Atlanta Braves, Smoltz has become one of the only pitchers to accumulate 200+ wins and 150+ saves. Even this year, after struggling to recover from arm surgery with the Boston Red Sox, he was picked up by the St. Louis Cardinals and returned to form as one of the anchors of the Cards rotation. His mechanics have been largely the same since his rookie since ('88) and are one of the main reasons he's been so electric and effective for so long. I personally believe his mid 90's fastball and slider combo is one of the best in the history of the game. That is why John Smoltz is this week's Big Leaguer Breakdown.
Check out this unique video analyzing his mechanics during a bullpen where he is simultaneously videoed throwing a fastball and a change-up.
The point of this video is show how Smoltz keeps his delivery the same throughout both of his pitches. As an Intelligent Pitcher, its important to understand that the delivery must remain the same through each pitch, so the hitter is not tipped off as to what pitch is coming. At the seven second mark, you see how both legs lifts and hand slots are identically and properly loaded over the back leg. Notice how his chin is tucked down and level over the center of his body. Click the video one second forward and you can see the smoothness of his handbreak as he simultaneously loads the back leg. You can notice a slight bend on the back knee as the front hip rids down the mound. This works well for keeping the weight on the back side for the hip turn fires. Smoltz is also very smooth with his hand break but be sure to see how his hands stay timed up with front foot. Basically, as the foot goes forward, his hands work up and out.
We'll look at the 24 second mark of the video (the second pitch) to again watch how quickly and easily Smoltz gets his elbows up and into the power position. Notice how his front foot hasn't quite hit the ground yet and his hips are still on target. As we know, this is essential for allowing the lower half to "power" the upper half to release. As the end of the 24 second mark, Smoltz has turned his glove down and his throwing elbow is leading the hand to release. Here, his chest is completel square to the target with the hips completely turned. The chins is perfectly level on target and ready for the finish over a slightly bent front leg.
The last half of the video does a good job of breaking down some of his movements as well. You can see how symmetrical his body his throughout many parts of his delivery. Make sure to study these pieces as well as the the entire video.
I'm always available for any comments or questions.
Until Next Time!
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