Seattle Mariners: What’s Eating Gilbert?
Suggestion for Gilbert on his breaking pitches
During Gilbert’s start against the Angels the Mariner’s TV broadcast crew brought in a special guest. They talked about Gilbert, his progress and his stuff. It’s what the guest had to say about his stuff that will be highlighted. Specifically, how might Gilbert use it better.
If you’ve watched every Gilbert start, you’ll see that he is still lacking elite major league control of his breaking pitches. Specifically, his curveball. He’s trying to get better at it but right now he just can paint the edges of the strike zone with it. Often the pitch ends up being a ball and not even getting a swing from the batter.
What this guest suggested was that since Gilbert’s curveball breaks from 12-6, he should throw it for strikes right now. Forget trying to throw it on the edge and getting hitters to chase. Just throw it in the zone. With it’s natural break it will still be a tough pitch to hit. Also, since it’s not thrown for a lot of strikes, right now, hitters will lay off it.
Obviously, once the curve starts landing for strikes hitters will start swinging at it. However, getting a strike from the curve now allows Gilbert to continue using his fastball as the main put away pitch. Right now, Gilbert needs to continue gaining experience and confidence. So, throwing his curve over the plate more will help both of those.
Right now, the M’s need Gilbert to continue making the progress he’s been making. Expected to be a front-line pitcher, he’s well on his way to becoming one. He’ll look to continue his winning streak when he takes on the Rays at home on Saturday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdEx1dbTauw
Share with us your thoughts on what Logan Gilbert can do to continue to get better.