Yordano Ventura was dealing triple digits again last night in his first win. In his previous outing he was clocked at 102.85. The debate is on as to whether this might have been the hardest pitch ever thrown by a starting pitcher during the regular season as Verlander hit 103.2 in post season.
One look at the slender Ventura would have many agreeing he is likely in the 170’s on most days and probably gained a Pedro inch in height. At this size, throwing at these velocities, we know his mechanics are likely to be extremely efficient.
Releasing from a high arm slot Ventura demonstrates a quick tempo with little wasted motion. Can’t get an accurate frame count from a youtube vid but he is about 19 to 20 frames from peak knee lift release and 14 to 15 frames from hand break.
http://s267.photobucket.com/user/TG2_2008/media/ventura2BTampa.gif.html][img]http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/TG2_2008/ventura2BTampa.gif[/img
However IMO one of the most remarkable characteristics of his delivery is how well coordinated his limbs are. For example how his arms work in unison to counter balance one another. Frequently referred to as “equal and opposite” things begin with a symmetrical hand break.
http://s267.photobucket.com/user/TG2_2008/media/symmetricalhandbreak.gif.html][img]http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/TG2_2008/symmetricalhandbreak.gif[/img
Then throughout the bow-arch-bow sequence you can see how the bending of one arm is mirrored in the opposite direction by the other.
http://s267.photobucket.com/user/TG2_2008/media/ventura2Bbowarchbow.gif.html][img]http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/TG2_2008/ventura2Bbowarchbow.gif[/img
http://s267.photobucket.com/user/TG2_2008/media/VenturaEOphoto.gif.html][img]http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/TG2_2008/VenturaEOphoto.gif[/img
Of course it is the unseen loading and unloading which matters here but pleasingly coordinated outward appearances usually reflect a high degree of efficiency within. The perceived “effortless”, extreme effort of Mariano Rivera will be sorely missed.
Finally, Ventura finishes in a rotational flurry of great flamboyance, no doubt paying tribute to a long line of “whirling Dominicans” and the great Pedro Martinez. Of course there a great deal of substance to this style and in SETPRO lexicon is referred to as “rotation around the front hip joint.”
Ventura the heir apparent?
http://s267.photobucket.com/user/TG2_2008/media/ventura2Bfollowthrough.gif.html][img]http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/TG2_2008/ventura2Bfollowthrough.gif[/img
http://s267.photobucket.com/user/TG2_2008/media/WhirlingDominicansCMB150.gif.html][img]http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/TG2_2008/WhirlingDominicansCMB150.gif[/img
http://s267.photobucket.com/user/TG2_2008/media/WhirlingDominicansRSF150.gif.html][img]http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/TG2_2008/WhirlingDominicansRSF150.gif[/img
