but I found an interesting analysis of what could be affecting him.
So, perceived velocity is the speed at which batters perceive the pitch to be traveling at. It relates somewhat to the length of a pitchers stride towards home plate. So while Harvey's velocity is down a tick from 95.5 mph to 94.4, his perceived velocity is even lower at 93.4, according to Harvey's stat page on Mets website.
So, the other interesting thing is the length of his stride. According to the same page, his stride is now at a paltry 5.8 feet, compare that to DeGrom, Syndergaard, and Matz who each stride which reaches 6.9, 6.9, and 6.5 respectively, higher than the league average of 6.1 feet, and who each have a higher perceived velocity than Harvey.
Now, this is the new phenomenon this year, as last year, Harvey's stride of just under 6.1 inches, just short of league average, and his perceived average velocity was 96.2 mph. So in reality, while his actual velocity is down about 1 to 1.5 miles per hour, his perceived velocity is down 3 mph.
This could be a major factor in why the Mets are so focused on mechanics, his stride is shorter and he's overcompensating for the lost velocity resulting in lesser command. It seems to me that this could be correctable, but he needs to get out of some bad habits. I am not a pitching instructor, but this gives even more credence to the idea that he needs some time to re-adjust his mechanics in a non-pressure situation.
http://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-mlb-actual-versus-perceived-velocity-statcast-pitcher-data-carter-capps/ - (
New Window )
Ivan15 : 12:19 am : link : reply
Follow the damn rules !!!
You can check on his landing, though. Make sure he's not stepping closed, which will hinder movement, or wide, which will cause him to carry the ball across his body.
Watch the contact ankle. Is he rolling over on it? This is the most important part of the delivery as far as getting his hips to unlock, which allows for maximum trunk rotation and force. It allows for the major muscle groups in the abdomen, glutes and thighs to do their job taking the strain off his arm.
Also watch to see if he has proper lead arm action. The glove hand first works as a range finder, then its job switches to leading his body through and down.
I've watched him on television a couple of times. Watching from behind is better than the normal camera angle. Watching a righty from the third base line is best. From that position , you can watch what happens after he breaks his hands. Balance point and loop-critical.
If you watch pitchers long enough you can spot the tell-tale signs of discomfort in the elbow, arm and shoulder. This is important because they tend to lie quite a bit about it, perhaps trying to convince themselves that they are well. If an elbow is hurting, there is a wince at release. Shoulder pain results in opening up too early to recruit the rest of the upper body to carry the ball. The technical term is "going wide." I am sure the Mets have checked for these.
Rocker step. Slight and controlled. Spin. Break. Balance point timed with loop. Slow, slow slow behind the rubber. Then all hell breaks loose once you come forward. Fast, fast fast. Lead arm action. Follow your glove. Drive down. Roll over on your contact. Land open in a straight line with your contact. Throw downhill. Finish out on top.
This is serious stuff follow the DAM rules.
So how does a pitcher change (improve) the perceived velocity in a batters head?
I get it, he's a lightning rod ever since being called up but seriously...why? He's just one guy. The Mets are winning....it's beyond ridiculous at this point.
So how does a pitcher change (improve) the perceived velocity in a batters head?
Over simplified?
Pitch high and low, in and out.
Tall and lanky, long and reach.
Slow delivery start, quick release (think El Sid