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.

 

I kinda wondered same thing but Strawberry was the previous Mets home run leader, he obviously should've hit a lot more in a Mets uniform but tons of issues derailed that.

 

Seven more shutout innings for Waldrep last night, along with seven strikeouts.

 

Here's an article on Waldrep. He is reaching rarified air.
Braves Hurston Waldrep Enters Historic Territory in Latest Dominant Start
MSN
Waldrep’s run has entered historic territory. He has become the second rookie in MLB’s modern era (since 1901) to win each of his first four appearances and allow one or fewer earned runs. The only other pitcher to do that was Fernando Valenzuela, who is best known for his electric Cy Young Award-winning and NL Rookie of the Year-winning season in 1981.

 

#19

 

Going back to Triple A might've helped Hurston after getting a taste of the Show last year, hopefully same for Jac. Those guys in the Show are the best in the world for a reason, the margins are crazy but they're reality.

 

Wyatt made such a splash last year with rookie phenom stuff like hitting-for-the-cycle, etc but he has shown Year 2 consistency that smashes Sophomore Slump conventional wisdom. He is obviously great in the locker room.

 

I read an article not long ago that said the Atlanta catcher (Sean Murphy) had both talked and worked with Hurston on the importance of his sinker and cutter to bring out his best competitive self on the mound. Good stuff.

 

Not related to that but absolutely love the quote from Greg Maddux related to the difficulty of pitching.

You know why I'm a millionaire?' He said, 'Cause I can throw my fastball where I want to.' He said, 'You know why I got beachfront property in LA? Because I can change speeds.
Leo Mazzone, ex-Braves pitching coach, quoting Greg Maddux

 

And I would add to the quote about changing speeds “without telegraphing it”….cause he was dang good at same delivery, same arm slot and same arm speed!

 

Truly was an art how he did it without a blazing fastball. Like we've said the pinpoint ability was incredible, at that level the way those guys can hit spots is crazy and well beyond us mere mortals.

 

He had a decent fastball early in his career.

Now his "cred" with pin-point control got him a lot of strike calls that he wouldn't get today. But back then pitchers earned that cred and it was the way the game was called.

 

Word is that Sproat is being called up today! Good for him!

 

Starting Sunday, awesome stuff. Remember him stepping into Friday night guy role 2022 after Barco's injury, did a helluva job in that role for 2 seasons. Coming back for 2023 even though he was draft eligible earlier certainly paid off.

 

Sproat’s on TV—MLBN vs Reds @ Cincinnati
Top 4th 1-0 Mets


5 complete, tied up at 1-1. Sproat has walked 4 but has not given up a hit.