Exploring the Arsenal will run prior to each game, providing you with a brief scouting report on the starting pitcher expected to oppose the Pirates. The chart below shows the horizontal and vertical movement of every pitch thrown by that particular pitcher in 2012. This chart is from the catcher’s point of view. Click here for a general guide to pitch types and classifications. Graphs are courtesy of Brooks Baseball and The Hardball Times , unless otherwise specified. Statistics are courtesy of FanGraphs .
Monday, 7:05 PM – Jeff Samardzija
| 2012 | |
|---|---|
| IP | 106.1 |
| K/PA | 23.9% |
| BB/PA | 8.8% |
| HR/9 | 1.02 |
| GB% | 46.3% |
| ERA | 4.57 |
| FIP | 3.67 |
Samardzija has an exceptional fastball, with velocity that sits at 94-96 MPH and touches 97-98. The pitch misses plenty of bats, and has been particularly effective in 2012. His two-seamer has similar velocity with good movement. He also throws a good 90-93 MPH cutter. Samardzija’s main secondary pitch is an 85-86 MPH splitter, which he uses as an offspeed pitch against both righties and lefties. The pitch is downright nasty, with a whiff rate around 47% in 2012. His primary breaking ball is a hard 83-86 MPH slider, and he also mixes in an upper 70’s curve. Samardzija has a deep arsenal and great raw stuff. He has been hit hard at times this year, but has also made several dominant outings.
