Does an SP need an off-speed pitch?

brian_msbc · 01-04-2021, 12:39 PM

I’m looking at an SP that looks really nice, but his repertoire is a Fastball, a Slider, and a Screwball. From what I understand, a screwball is just a slider that breaks the opposite direction, which seems useful especially for righty/lefty splits. But has anyone had success with a starting pitcher without a curve or changeup (or some something similar)?

RchW · 01-04-2021, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian_msbc

I’m looking at an SP that looks really nice, but his repertoire is a Fastball, a Slider, and a Screwball. From what I understand, a screwball is just a slider that breaks the opposite direction, which seems useful especially for righty/lefty splits. But has anyone had success with a starting pitcher without a curve or changeup (or some something similar)?

A slider and a screwball are both off-speed pitches by definition.

WyattGOAT · 01-04-2021, 02:11 PM

I think the screwball would basically serve as an off-speed pitch. As long as a pitcher has at least 2 pitches that aren't fastballs they should be okay as a starter

Matt Arnold · 01-04-2021, 02:47 PM

Most of the "off-speed" pitch ends up being to make sure splits don't run too high. Like, I would usually avoid pitching a pure sinker-slider pitcher as a starter, since they're going to get destroyed by opposite-handed hitters. But the screwball should balance them out enough to be fine.

Syd Thrift · 01-04-2021, 04:37 PM

Isn’t there also a penalty for players who go through the order more than once with fewer than 3 pitches?

Matt Arnold · 01-04-2021, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syd Thrift

Isn’t there also a penalty for players who go through the order more than once with fewer than 3 pitches?

Yep

01-04-2021, 12:39 PM	#1
brian_msbc Minors (Single A) Join Date: Mar 2020 Posts: 94	Does an SP need an off-speed pitch? I’m looking at an SP that looks really nice, but his repertoire is a Fastball, a Slider, and a Screwball. From what I understand, a screwball is just a slider that breaks the opposite direction, which seems useful especially for righty/lefty splits. But has anyone had success with a starting pitcher without a curve or changeup (or some something similar)?

01-04-2021, 02:11 PM	#3
WyattGOAT Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 159	I think the screwball would basically serve as an off-speed pitch. As long as a pitcher has at least 2 pitches that aren't fastballs they should be okay as a starter

01-04-2021, 02:47 PM	#4
Matt Arnold OOTP Developer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 16,242	Most of the "off-speed" pitch ends up being to make sure splits don't run too high. Like, I would usually avoid pitching a pure sinker-slider pitcher as a starter, since they're going to get destroyed by opposite-handed hitters. But the screwball should balance them out enough to be fine.