Former GATOR Players

Here's a good article on Hurston Waldrep and his development: The Braves Drafted One Hurston Waldrep, But They Developed Another

I'm a bit more optimistic than the author. There's about 10 pitchers on the planet who can control a splitter -- i.e.; throw it in the zone for K's -- HW might be one of them. His pro splitter looks a bit a more "pure" splitter than the split-change, forkball-ish thing he threw in college (more down, -2 or 3 MPH).

 

Hurston has really progressed with his repertoire as a Braves pitcher. Tip of the cap to him for his hard work and drive to better himself. It’s a real pleasure to see his kind of dedication.

 

Yeah, apparently he’s developed a sinker and a cutter, and that’s really helped.

 

Sinker/splitter/cutter, with 12-6-curve and slider.... Waldrep can "dial it up" to 98-99 4SFB, but he's a better pitcher with 5 pitches, none of which are above 96 and none of which are 4SFB.

 

Agree with you @neutrino_boi — Sinker/cutter differences are mostly a slight tilt of the wrist through release. The ability to control these movements is more doable than the tumbling movement of the splitter IMHO.

Combining them together makes each of them a stronger piece of his arsenal as long as his command holds up.

Good for Hurston.

 

That is a full complement of pitches.

He has a really, really good splitter but not as good as Bruce Sutter. He was the gold standard with that pitch. But the cutter, sinker and split-finger all come from exactly the same arm slot. I don't remember his four seamer being in the mid to high 90's but if it is he also has that and he is golden.