How Chris Paddack's New Slider (or Cutter?) Could Key a Big Season - Caretaker Exclusive

[Lucas Seehafer PT]

According to reporters on the scene in Fort Myers, Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Chris Paddack is working on a new pitch. What should Twins fans think of this development?

Image courtesy of © Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK

Chris Paddack raised many an eyebrow in late September, when he returned from his second Tommy John surgery pumping 97-mph gas out of the bullpen. His four-seamer averaged 95.5 mph across 35 regular-season offerings, which was nearly 0.7 mph faster than his previous career high, set in 2021. However, with the dawn of the 2024 season on the horizon and Paddack firmly in position to be in the Opening Day starting rotation, the Twins determined that the best course of action was for him to add another pitch.

As Matthew Trueblood wrote recently, Paddack’s most frequently used pitch throughout his career has been his four-seamer. However, despite its newfound velocity (if that even has staying power as he moves back to starting), the heater has poor “shape”, meaning it doesn’t have the typical traits you’d expect highly successful fastballs to possess. 

For example, although its spin efficiency is elite (approximately 100%, or pure backspin), its 2,254 RPM spin rate is below-average, especially given the velocity. Additionally, its 15-inch induced vertical break (IVB)—or the amount the ball doesn’t drop during flight, giving the pitch the appearance of rising action—is just ok. (For reference, an IVB of 20 inches or so is elite.) Because he stands 6-foot-5 and uses a high three-quarters arm slot, his adjusted vertical approach angle—or the angle at which the ball approaches the plate, adjusted for its vertical location when it reaches the plate—is quite poor.

Luckily, Paddack possesses a strong changeup that plays well off his mediocre fastball. Again, it has a poor vertical approach angle due to his arm slot but it owns seven inches of drop, nearly 16 inches of arm-side run, and is thrown between 10-13 mph slower. For all intents and purposes, Paddack’s changeup looks like his fastball out of the hand…but it just keeps running.

 
This brings us, finally, to why Paddack is working on a “slider/cutter”. Briefly: He needs a reliable third pitch, a second good pitch, and ideally one that plays well off his fastball.

View full article

[Cory Engelhardt]

This one is fascinating as well. Great read!

I know I am under-estimating (frankly, not counting on much) from either Paddack or Varland, and even Canterino. I'm very much open to being pleasantly surprised. 

[Parfigliano]

I come for the Twins news but stay for the physics lesson.

[jkcarew]

Would be HUGE if he’s healthy and effective…especially if that can be the case in October.

[miracleb]

We need Paddack's ERA at the end of the season to start with a "3."  This means the "New Slider" definitely helped him!  I hope it is effective!!

[JD-TWINS]

Anything that looks like a fastball, and isn’t, is a good pitch if there is some decent command attached. Fastball, cutter, change, - all looking the same - is a nice combination with the occasional curveball as a different shape/look. The guy is in his prime & motivated after 2 surgeries - with a competitive club - hoping for good things! 

Nice write-up on Paddack interesting!

[Lucas Seehafer PT]

Results are in from Paddack's first appearance. Very low spin rate, more vertical than horizontal break, moderate velo. Seems like Paddack's new pitch is a gyro slider.