Let’s go old school today and look at some basic numbers. No special analysis needed, No Ivy League Degree necessary, No internship at NASA as a prerequisite. Nor a weird affinity to Bill James. Just very simple and direct to the point numbers. You don’t need complex algorithms in baseball to know whether or not a certain player is getting results. The visual feedback speaks volumes. You would have to be deaf, oblivious, and blind to not recognize on field success and advancements. Unless, of course one who claims to be an expert without having ever played or coached this beautiful game. 2018 Slider Stats
I read a great article on The Hardball Times by Wes Jenkins titled, Why are Sliders so Hard to Hit? Wes got very in depth with interviews from sports optometrists and ophthalmologists in regards to vision and hitting the baseball. 20/20 doesn’t cut it at the Big League Level anymore. Even hitters with perfect vision are prescribed corrective lenses. Long story short, everything he proved in the article has been has long been my selling points about Slider Domination. Case in point, Mr. Ted had 20/10 vision. Even his rough exterior and superior abilities forced him to admit to struggling with the Slider.
With that being said, let’s look at the TOP 5’s from the past MLB season. The Simple 2018 Slider Stats that speak volumes. Launch This!
2018 Slider Stats Dominate
Top 5 – ERA
Starters
| 1 | Jacob deGrom ** $ | 1.70 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Blake Snell ** $ | 1.89 |
| 3 | Trevor Bauer $ | 2.21 |
| 4 | Aaron Nola | 2.37 |
| 5 | Justin Verlander $ | 2.52 |
Relievers
| 1 | Blake Treinen $ | 0.78 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Jermey Jeffress | 1.29 |
| 3 | Jose Leclerc | 1.56 |
| 4 | Jared Hughes $ | 1.94 |
| 5 | Edwin Diaz $ | 1.96 |
2018 Slider Stats Dominate
Top 5 – K/9
Starters
| 1 | Gerrit Cole $ | 12.40 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Max Scherzer $ | 12.24 |
| 3 | Justin Verlander $ | 12.20 |
| 4 | Trevor Bauer $ | 11.50 |
| 5 | Jacob deGrom ** $ | 11.16 |
Relievers
| 1 | Aroldis Chapman $ | 16.31 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Josh Hader $ | 15.82 |
| 3 | Dellin Betances $ | 15.53 |
| 4 | Edwin Diaz $ | 15.22 |
| 5 | Corey Knebel | 14.31 |
2018 Slider Stats Dominate
Top 5 – Opp .Avg
Starters
1 Blake Snell ** $ .176
2 Max Scherzer $ .187
3 Julio Teheran $ .193
4 Jacob deGrom ** $ .194
4 Mike Foltynewicz $ .194
Relievers
1 Jose Leclerc .123
2 Josh Hader $ .131
3 Aroldis Chapman $ .136
4 Craig Kimbrell .145
5 Reyes Moronta $ .151
2018 Slider Stats Dominate
Top 5 – Strikeouts
Starters
1 Max Scherzer $ 300
2 Justin Verlander $ 290
3 Gerrit Cole $ 276
4 Jacob deGrom ** $ 269
5 Patrick Corbin $ 246
Relievers
1 Josh Hader $ 143
2 Edwin Diaz $ 124
3 Dellin Betances $ 115
4 Adam Ottavino $ 112
5 Brad Hand $ 106
2018 Slider Stats Dominate
Top 5 – Slider Velocity
These horses are Bringing IT! In addition to their triple digit fastballs, their Sliders aren’t far off the mark for this level of HEAT…With a sharp break at the very end. Brace yourself hitters, you are in for a long night when facing these studs!
Starters
1 Noah Syndergaard 92.55
2 Jacob deGrom ** 91.61
3 Zack Wheeler 91.45
4 Diego Castillo 90.66
5 Jameson Taillon 90.24
Relievers
1 Matt Bush 92.36
2 AJ Minter 92.12
3 Koda Glover 91.97
4 Jordan Lyles 91.21
5 Shawn Armstrong 90.89
2018 Slider Stats Dominate
Top 5 – Slider WHIFF Rate
This more modern stat I like. It is simple and something we all have been curious about. It sounds like a wiffle ball term. More so, “How much you swing and miss against my Slider.” Let the documented embarrassment begin….and of course we all know that the Slider Swings and Misses are by far the best…
Starters
1 Patrick Corbin 53.90%
2 Kyle Gibson 51.39%
3 Dylan Bundy 50.13%
4 Carlos Carraso 49.31%
5 Felix Pena 48.51%
Relievers
1 Aroldis Chapman 62.37%
2 Taylor Williams 58.87%
3 Ryan Pressley 56.32%
4 Tanner Scott 54.98%
5 Josh Hader 54.96%
$ Denotes Pitcher Throws a Slider
** Denotes Cy Young Winner in 2018
All Stats c/o BaseballProspectus.com Pitchf/x and Fangraphs.com
2018 Slider Stats Dominate
In Closing
The best pitching numbers in the game in 2018 were Dominated by Pitchers who threw a Slider. Every general category listed had the majority of pitchers with Sliders. Some were even clean sweeps! (K’s) Naturally, both Cy Young Award Winners possessed the dangerous weapon in their arsenal. As National League rep, Jacob deGrom was 2nd only to his teammate in all of baseball in Slider Velocity amongst starters.
The simple numbers here about the Slider speak for themselves…quite LOUDLY! If Chris Sale‘s infamous Slider which kneecapped Johnny No Hustle to end the World Series does not stick in the minds of pitchers unsure about learning this DOMINANT Pitch, I have no idea what will. It is a pitch which cannot be protected against in battle when thrown correctly. For those who are ready to take the leap towards career enhancement and reap all the sexy benefits, be sure to download your copy of the AudioBook, 7 Reasons Why YOU Should Throw a Slider. You will find out shortly whether or not the Slider is the pitch for you to take your game to the next level, much like those mentioned above…
Keep Dominating!!!
About The Author
Brad Kirsch is the Owner/Creator of Slider Domination. He is a former professional pitcher who blogs about all things Pitching. Brad has also authored the AudioBook, 7 Reasons Why YOU Should Throw a Slider. If you haven’t done so already, you can Download the AudioBook Here
