Blake Snell's Pitching Style: A Deep Dive

Blake Snell, a name synonymous with dynamic pitching and unconventional style, has carved a unique niche in Major League Baseball. Known for his impressive arsenal and often unpredictable approach, Snell captivates fans and analysts alike. This article delves into the intricacies of his pitching style, exploring the elements that make him such a compelling and sometimes perplexing figure on the mound.

Understanding Snell's Arsenal

At the heart of understanding Blake Snell's pitching style lies an appreciation for his diverse arsenal. He isn't a one-trick pony; instead, he masterfully wields a variety of pitches, each designed to keep hitters off balance and guessing. His primary weapons include:

• Four-Seam Fastball: Snell's fastball typically sits in the low to mid-90s, and while it might not be the most overpowering in terms of velocity, its late life and Snell's ability to command it effectively make it a potent pitch. He uses it to establish the strike zone and set up his off-speed offerings. The key here is location; Snell aims to keep the fastball elevated, forcing hitters to swing underneath it, leading to weak contact or swings and misses.
• Curveball: The curveball is arguably Snell's signature pitch. Thrown with significant downward break, it buckles hitters' knees and generates a high percentage of swings and misses. He throws it with varying degrees of velocity and break, adding another layer of deception. One moment it’s a slow, looping curve that looks like it’s going to land in the dirt, and the next, it’s a sharper, quicker breaker that dives just as it reaches the plate.
• Slider: Complementing his curveball, Snell's slider provides a different look and movement pattern. It's typically thrown with more velocity and a tighter break, often used to target the back foot of right-handed hitters or to get ahead in the count. It acts as a great complement to the curve, because hitters must respect the two pitches. The slider will dart away from righties and bore in on lefties, making it a weapon against both.
• Changeup: Although he doesn't rely on it as heavily as his other pitches, Snell's changeup is an important part of his repertoire. It offers a significant velocity differential from his fastball, disrupting hitters' timing and preventing them from sitting comfortably on hard stuff. When deployed effectively, it can generate weak contact and keep hitters guessing. The changeup is often the key to a pitcher’s longevity, and the more Snell develops this, the better.

Snell's ability to mix and match these pitches, varying the sequence and location, is a crucial component of his overall effectiveness. He keeps hitters guessing, preventing them from settling into a comfortable rhythm at the plate.

The Intangibles: Command, Control, and Deception

Beyond the specific pitches, several intangible elements contribute to Blake Snell's unique pitching style. These include:

• Command vs. Control: While often used interchangeably, command and control represent distinct aspects of pitching. Control refers to a pitcher's ability to consistently throw strikes. Command, on the other hand, involves the ability to locate pitches within the strike zone with precision. Snell has, at times, struggled with consistent command, leading to walks and high pitch counts. However, when he's on, his command is exceptional, allowing him to paint the corners and exploit hitters' weaknesses. He will be the first to admit that his command has been a point of emphasis and a work in progress.
• Deception: Snell employs a delivery that adds an element of deception to his pitches. He has a high leg kick and hides the ball well, making it difficult for hitters to pick up the release point. This deception gives his pitches added effectiveness, as hitters have less time to react. This is a classic example of how a pitcher can be effective without relying solely on velocity. The deception can be just as valuable.
• Aggressiveness: When Blake Snell is at his best, he pitches with a palpable sense of aggression. He attacks hitters, challenging them with his best stuff and refusing to back down. This aggressive mentality can be intimidating for hitters and gives him a mental edge on the mound. It’s about setting the tone and letting the hitters know who is in charge.

The Evolution of Snell's Style

Like any successful athlete, Blake Snell has continually refined and evolved his pitching style throughout his career. He has made adjustments to his mechanics, pitch selection, and approach based on experience, feedback from coaches, and analysis of his performance. Here's a look at how his style has evolved:

• Early Career: In his early years, Snell relied heavily on his fastball and curveball, often overpowering hitters with his raw stuff. However, as he gained experience, he recognized the need to develop his secondary pitches and improve his command.
• Mid-Career Refinements: During his time with the Tampa Bay Rays, Snell worked extensively with their pitching coaches to refine his mechanics and improve his pitch sequencing. He began to incorporate his slider and changeup more frequently, adding more variety to his arsenal.
• Recent Adjustments: Even in recent seasons, Snell has continued to tinker with his approach, experimenting with different grips and release points to maximize the effectiveness of his pitches. He’s always looking for that extra edge, that slight adjustment that can make a big difference. He is a student of the game and is constantly striving to improve.

This constant evolution demonstrates Snell's commitment to improvement and his willingness to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of Major League Baseball.

Strengths and Weaknesses

No pitcher is without strengths and weaknesses, and Blake Snell is no exception. Understanding these aspects of his game provides a more complete picture of his pitching style:

Strengths:

• Dominant Stuff: When his command is on, Snell possesses some of the most electric stuff in the game. His curveball is a true weapon, and his fastball has late life that makes it difficult to square up.
• Deception: His delivery and ability to hide the ball create deception, making it tough for hitters to anticipate his pitches.
• Aggressiveness: He pitches with an aggressive mentality, challenging hitters and setting the tone for the game.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistency: At times, Snell struggles with consistency, particularly with his command. This can lead to walks, high pitch counts, and early exits from games.
• Vulnerability to Right-Handed Hitters: Some analysts have noted that Snell can be more vulnerable to right-handed hitters who can stay on his pitches and drive the ball to the opposite field.
• Over-Reliance on Stuff: There are times when Snell relies too much on his raw stuff, rather than mixing his pitches and working the count effectively. This can make him predictable and easier to hit.

Impact and Legacy

Blake Snell's impact on the game extends beyond his individual statistics. He represents a new breed of pitcher who is unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom and embrace a more unconventional approach. His success has inspired other pitchers to experiment with different styles and approaches, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the mound.

While his career is still in progress, Snell has already established himself as one of the most exciting and enigmatic pitchers in baseball. His unique pitching style, characterized by dominant stuff, deception, and a relentless competitive spirit, has captivated fans and solidified his place in the game's history. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just a casual observer, Blake Snell is a player worth watching, because you never know what you're going to see when he takes the mound.

In conclusion, Blake Snell's pitching style is a fascinating blend of raw talent, refined technique, and unwavering aggressiveness. While inconsistency has sometimes been a challenge, his strengths – dominant stuff and deception – make him a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to evolve and refine his approach, Snell's impact on the game will undoubtedly continue to grow, solidifying his legacy as one of the most unique and captivating pitchers of his era. So, next time you watch him pitch, remember that you're witnessing a master craftsman at work, a true artist on the mound. Guys, that's Blake Snell for you! He is a true artist in his own right, always keeping us on the edge of our seats.