In baseball, a drop is a measurement that is used to determine the height of a pitch. It is calculated by subtracting the batter’s stance height from the height of the pitch. The higher the drop, the lower the pitch appears to the batter. This measurement is important for pitchers because it helps them to control the trajectory of their pitches and to deceive opposing batters. As such, it is essential for MLB players to select the right drop for each situation.
What Factors Go Into Choosing a Drop?
When selecting a drop for a pitch, MLB players must consider several factors. The first is the batter’s stance. The batter’s stance is the starting point from which the drop is calculated. Different batters have different stances, so the drop must be adjusted accordingly. For example, if the batter stands closer to the plate, the drop must be increased to compensate.
The second factor is the type of pitch being thrown. Different types of pitches require different drops. For instance, a curveball must be thrown with a higher drop than a fastball, in order to create the desired break. Similarly, a slider must be thrown with a lower drop in order to induce the right amount of spin.
The third factor is the pitcher’s arm angle. A pitcher’s arm angle affects the trajectory of the pitch, so the drop must be adjusted accordingly. For instance, a pitcher with a three-quarters arm angle must throw the pitch with a higher drop than a pitcher with an overhand arm angle.
The fourth factor is the batter’s location. The drop must be adjusted to account for the fact that a pitch thrown to a batter on the opposite side of the plate will appear lower than a pitch thrown to a batter on the same side of the plate.
The fifth factor is the wind. If the wind is blowing in, the drop must be increased in order to compensate for the reduced air resistance. Conversely, if the wind is blowing out, the drop must be decreased.
How Do MLB Players Determine the Right Drop?
MLB players use a variety of methods to determine the right drop for each situation. The most common method is to use a pitching chart. Pitching charts provide a range of drops for different types of pitches, based on the factors mentioned above. The pitcher can then select the appropriate drop from the chart.
However, some pitchers prefer to use their own judgment when selecting a drop. This involves taking into account the factors mentioned above, as well as the pitcher’s experience and intuition. By using their own judgment, pitchers can fine-tune the drop for each pitch, which can give them an advantage over batters.
What Types of Drops Are Used?
The most common drops used by MLB players are four-seam fastballs, two-seam fastballs, cutters, sliders, and curveballs.
Four-seam fastballs are thrown with a relatively low drop, usually between 0 and 3 inches. This type of pitch is characterized by its straight trajectory and is often used to set up other pitches.
Two-seam fastballs are thrown with a higher drop, usually between 4 and 6 inches. This type of pitch has a slight break and is often used to induce ground balls.
Cutters are thrown with a drop of between 5 and 8 inches. This type of pitch has a sharp break and is often used to deceive batters.
Sliders are thrown with a drop of between 8 and 10 inches. This type of pitch has a tight break and is often used to induce swings and misses.
Finally, curveballs are thrown with a drop of between 10 and 12 inches. This type of pitch has a large break and is often used to freeze batters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the drop is an important measurement for MLB players. By selecting the right drop for each pitch, pitchers can control the trajectory of their pitches and deceive opposing batters. When selecting a drop, MLB players must consider several factors, including the batter’s stance, the type of pitch, the pitcher’s arm angle, the batter’s location, and the wind. They can use a pitching chart or their own judgment to determine the right drop for each situation. The most common drops used by MLB players are four-seam fastballs, two-seam fastballs, cutters, sliders, and curveballs.