Over the past week, Aroldis Chapman, Closer for the New York Yankees made headlines on both ends of the 9th inning spectrum. The upper tier for his dazzling and DOMINANT All Star Game Appearance. On the other side of the pendulum, his blown save against the Tampa Bay Rays. As the closer position goes, you either get the glory or be the goat. It is how you remain unperturbed by the massive ups and downs of the position. Therefore, how does one remain even keel throughout the 162 game grind and the pressure cooker of the 9th inning that comes with it? You can start by staying in the moment and focusing on making 1 pitch at a time. This is how the best maximize the their Save opportunities.
A Tale of 2 Save Opportunities
Example #1
July 9, 2019
Progressive Field
Cleveland, OH
90th MLB All Star Game
Chapman enters the Mid Summer Classic to protect a 1 run American League lead in the top of the 9th inning. Due up were JT Realmuto, Max Muncy, and Yasmani Grandal.
Here is how it played out…..
A Tale of 2 Save Opportunities
Example #2
July 15, 2019
Yankee Stadium
Bronx, NY
Yankees vs Rays
With 2 Outs in the Bottom of the 8th, Edwin Encarnacion homered for the 2nd time on this night with a 2 run bomb to left field to break a 2-2 tie. On comes the flame throwing Chapman to protect the 2 run lead and nail down the Save. He recorded the Save the day before against the Blue Jays on a mere 8 pitches. What does he bring to the table on this night?
The first 2 batters singled off of him to get aboard. Then Chapman proceeded to strike out the next 2. Bringing to the plate, Travis d’Arnaud. He had already homered twice in the game off of Yankee Starter, James Paxton.
How did the game deciding at bat go down…?
So much can be said about the importance of making pitches. MLB hitters do a great deal of damage on mistake pitches over the plate. Pitch selection is one thing. However, executing each pitch is so much more vital.
As a closer with 100+ stuff, in order to secure wins in the pressure cooker of the 9th inning, it clearly exceeds the ability to overpower hitters. 1 poorly located pitch or a minor breakdown in mechanics can be all the difference between winning and losing the game. To stay focused on the task at hand, aggressively attack the strike zone in a controlled manner.
Aside from this ill fated, hanging Slider, Chapman was magnificent. Did he throw this detrimental Slider with full conviction? Only he himself knows for sure. Did he get amped up and overthrow it? Possibly. Will it affect his future outings? Most likely not. Does he want the ball again? He wouldn’t be in the Big Leagues if he didn’t!!!
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
