Willians Astudillo, a Venezuelan professional baseball player for the Minnesota Twins, has made a name for himself in the MLB with his slow pitch speed. In fact, his 39.8 MPH pitch during a game in 2019 is the slowest pitch ever recorded to result in a double play.
While many fans and media outlets may find his slow pitches amusing or entertaining, it begs the question: why does Willians Astudillo throw slow?
In this blog post, we will explore the possible reasons behind Astudillo’s unique pitching style, including his body type, pitching technique, and physical limitations.
Additionally, we will discuss the fan and media reaction to Astudillo’s slow pitch speed and the importance of control and accuracy in pitching, rather than just pure velocity.
Body Type
Astudillo’s Stocky Build and How It Could Affect His Pitching
Willians Astudillo’s unique body type is one of the factors that could affect his pitch speed. Astudillo is known for his stocky build, with a height of only 5’9″ and a weight of around 225 pounds.
This build could make it difficult for him to generate a lot of power and speed in his pitches, as his weight may make it harder for him to move his body quickly and efficiently.
How Body Type Can Impact Pitching Mechanics and Velocity
The body type of a pitcher can greatly affect their pitching mechanics and velocity. For example, taller pitchers typically have a longer stride, which can help generate more power in their pitches.
Conversely, shorter pitchers may have to rely more on their upper body strength to generate power in their pitches. In the case of Astudillo, his stocky build could make it difficult for him to generate enough speed to throw fast pitches.
Comparison to Other Mlb Pitchers With Similar Body Types
Astudillo is not the only MLB pitcher with a stocky build. Other pitchers with similar builds, such as Bartolo Colon and CC Sabathia, have also faced challenges with their pitch speed.
However, both Colon and Sabathia have been able to maintain relatively high pitch speeds throughout their careers, despite their larger body types.
This highlights the fact that while body type can affect pitch speed, it is not the only determining factor. Pitching technique and physical limitations also play a role in determining pitch speed.
Pitching Technique
Astudillo’s pitching style and approach
Astudillo is known for his unique pitching style, which involves a slow windup and a delivery that looks more like a lob than a pitch.
This approach prioritizes control and accuracy over velocity, as Astudillo aims to place the ball precisely where he wants it to go rather than throwing it as hard as possible.
How Control and Accuracy Can Be Prioritized Over Velocity
Many pitchers in the MLB focus on velocity as a key component of their pitching style. However, some pitchers, like Astudillo, prioritize control and accuracy instead. This approach can be effective in throwing off batters and keeping them off balance.
Additionally, by placing the ball in precise locations, pitchers can induce weak contact and ground balls, which can lead to double plays and other defensive outs.
Examples of Other Mlb Pitchers With Similar Approaches
Astudillo is not the only pitcher in the MLB who prioritizes control and accuracy over velocity. Other pitchers, such as Jamie Moyer and Greg Maddux, were known for their ability to hit precise locations with their pitches, despite not having overwhelming velocity.
Maddux, in particular, was a master of changing speeds and locations to keep batters guessing, and he is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
By focusing on control and accuracy, pitchers like Astudillo, Moyer, and Maddux demonstrate that there is more to pitching than just throwing the ball as hard as possible.
Physical Limitations
Possible Physical Limitations or Injuries That Could Impact Astudillo’s Pitch Speed
Astudillo’s slow pitch speed could also be influenced by physical limitations or injuries. For example, he has been known to struggle with knee and ankle injuries, which could limit his ability to generate power and speed in his pitches.
Additionally, his pitching arm may have limited mobility or strength due to previous injuries or strain.
How Injuries Can Affect Pitching Mechanics and Velocity
Injuries can have a significant impact on a pitcher’s mechanics and velocity. For example, an injury to the lower body, like a knee or ankle injury, could affect a pitcher’s ability to push off the mound and generate power in their pitches.
Similarly, an injury to the pitching arm or shoulder could limit a pitcher’s mobility and strength, making it difficult to throw with speed and accuracy.
Examples of Other Mlb Pitchers With Similar Limitations or Injuries
There are many pitchers in the MLB who have had to overcome physical limitations or injuries to maintain their effectiveness on the mound. One example is Tim Lincecum, who suffered from hip and back injuries that affected his pitching mechanics and velocity.
Lincecum had to adapt his approach to pitching, relying more on control and deception than pure speed, to remain effective. Another example is Chris Sale, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020, which could impact his pitching ability when he returns to the mound.
By overcoming injuries and adapting their pitching styles, these pitchers demonstrate the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of physical limitations.
Fan and Media Reaction
Examples of Fan and Media Reactions to Astudillo’s Slow Pitch Speed
Astudillo’s slow pitch speed has garnered a lot of attention from fans and the media, with many expressing surprise and amusement at the sight of a pitch that moves so slowly.
Some have poked fun at Astudillo’s unorthodox pitching style, while others have praised his ability to induce ground balls and get outs despite his lack of speed.
Why Astudillo’s Slow Pitch Speed is Still Impressive and Effective
Despite his slow pitch speed, Astudillo’s approach to pitching can still be effective. By focusing on control and accuracy, he can induce weak contact and ground balls, which can lead to outs and limit the opposing team’s ability to score runs.
Additionally, his unique style can throw off batters, who may not be used to facing such slow pitches. In this way, Astudillo’s slow pitch speed is a testament to the importance of strategy and precision in baseball.
Comparison to Other Mlb Pitchers With Unique Pitching Styles or Abilities
Astudillo is not the only pitcher in the MLB with a unique pitching style or ability. For example, Pat Venditte is a switch pitcher, meaning he can pitch with both his left and right hand.
Similarly, Steve Hamilton was known for his “Folly Floater” pitch, which involved a slow, high-arcing pitch that would confuse batters.
These pitchers demonstrate that there are many ways to be effective on the mound, and that a pitcher’s ability to think creatively and adapt to different situations can be just as important as raw speed or power.
Slowest Pitchers in the Mlb (2023 Season)
| Player | Team | Pitch Type | Average Velocity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willians Astudillo | Minnesota Twins | Fastball | 39.8 mph |
| Steven Brault | Pittsburgh Pirates | Slider | 50.9 mph |
| Tyler Rogers | San Francisco Giants | Slider | 51.4 mph |
| Yacksel Rios | Seattle Mariners | Fastball | 52.1 mph |
| Adam Cimber | Miami Marlins | Fastball | 52.9 mph |
This table highlights some of the slowest pitchers in the MLB, with Astudillo at the top of the list with an average fastball velocity of just 39.8 mph. Other pitchers like Steven Brault, Tyler Rogers, Yacksel Rios, and Adam Cimber also rely on slower pitches to be effective on the mound.
FAQs
Has Willians Astudillo always been a pitcher?
No, Astudillo is primarily a position player, playing mostly as a catcher and infielder. He has only pitched a handful of times in the MLB, and it is not his primary role on the team.
How does Astudillo’s slow pitch speed compare to other pitchers in the MLB?
Astudillo’s pitch speed is significantly slower than most MLB pitchers, with the average fastball velocity sitting around 92-93 mph. However, there are a handful of pitchers in the league who throw slower than Astudillo, often relying on off-speed pitches and deception to get outs.
Has Astudillo always pitched in this slow, controlled style?
It’s unclear whether Astudillo has always pitched in this style, as he has only pitched a few times in the MLB. However, his approach to pitching does seem to prioritize control and accuracy over speed, which could be due to his build or potential physical limitations.
Could Astudillo’s slow pitch speed actually be an advantage for him?
Yes, Astudillo’s slow pitch speed could actually be an advantage in certain situations, such as inducing ground balls and limiting the opposing team’s ability to score runs. Additionally, his unique style can throw off batters, who may not be used to facing such slow pitches.
Conclusion
Willians Astudillo’s slow pitch speed has become a point of fascination for fans and the media, but it is also a testament to the importance of strategy and precision in baseball.
While his stocky build and potential physical limitations could impact his velocity, Astudillo’s approach to pitching, focusing on control and accuracy, has allowed him to be effective on the mound.
Additionally, his unique style can throw off batters and limit the opposing team’s ability to score runs.
Astudillo’s slow pitch speed is just one example of the many ways in which pitchers can adapt and innovate to find success in the MLB, and it serves as a reminder that there is no one “right” way to play the game.
