Kevin Herget on using data to improve his changeup
In yesterday’s Notes column, it was pointed out how the “normal” BABIP for the league is down considerably from when it was assumed to be around .300, with the stated reason being pitchers improving their stuff thanks to technology. For an example, here’s Kevin Herget about the movement on his changeup:
“(The proliferation of data) makes adjustments easier,” he said. “It used to be, ‘That looked good and that felt good. I don’t know if it actually moved the right way.’ Your eyes aren’t moving in slow motion so it’s hard to tell.
“(Now), the movement was here and it might need to be here. That pitch felt like this, and the data showed it wasn’t great. It makes the adjustments, especially in a controlled setting, a little bit easier and a little bit faster.”
Herget said more sophisticated data wasn’t introduced in the St. Louis organization until around 2016. By 2021, he estimated, it was fully incorporated across the sport.
“Especially young guys, that’s the only language they speak,” he said. “They know the data stuff, which is great. From a player development standpoint, it’s why these guys are getting so good so quick and why their stuff is evolving so quickly.”
Source: Tim Britton, The Athletic
Earlier in the offseason, it was mentioned how both Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo were using the technology at the Mets’ pitching lab to aid them in their swings. Hopefully both players see results this season, which would encourage hitters to use the available technology as much as the pitchers.
I saw a couple of clips of McNeil's hits (double and single) yesterday. It seems like he is in fact trying to hit the ball hard and go for some power. Those two hits were the results of some impressive and aggressive swings.
I wonder if a player’s attitude and or aptitude regarding the use of data is a contributing factor as to their value, perceived or real. A couple weeks ago there was some discussion around the “intangibles” that not be easily determined by us fans (e.g. team chemistry, attitude, coachability, etc.). It could be that the ability and willingness to apply data for improvement is another one. That could explain why Smith gets a contract and Raley is ignored, or why they went after Canning vs. Quintana. I am glad to see Nimmo and McNeil using the lab to improve themselves. Given McNeil’s passion for golf, he may have a head start due to the heavy use of swing metrics in that 18-hole sport.