Mitch Keller felt he and pitching coach Oscar Marin were making progress in Bradenton, Fla. during spring training. Back in February and March, he said he was getting better feel for his pitches as camp went on.
So when spring training was suspended on Mar. 12, the goal became not to lose what they had gained. To help do that, Keller threw himself into the numbers behind the pitches.
"Being able to work with Oscar, really understanding the Rapsodo data I was getting from my numbers in spring training, we kind of devised a plan," Keller said during a Zoom call Monday.
Keller has a Rapsodo back at home, and while he used it before the shutdown, he had a hard time understanding how to use the data it provided. However, thanks to Marin, he was able to zero in on what he should be looking for.
"Using that feedback and tinkering, whether it’s just a thought in your mind about getting more backspin or whatever," Keller said. "... Trying to match that up and get to the numbers I wanted them to be. I made a mental note, then write some stuff down and think about what got me to that point."
For example, when Keller started using his Rapsodo, his fastball spin efficiency -- or the spin that creates movement -- was a little over 90%. Now, he says it is closer to 95%.
According to Baseball Savant, last year, despite being in the top 10-percent of pitchers in terms of fastball spin rate, Keller's four-seam fastball movement was roughly league average. If he is increasing his spin efficiency, that will jump up in 2020.
This doesn't mean Keller is only focusing on his peripherals.
"You’ve got to rely on what feels good and right, too," Keller said. "You can’t go all-in on the numbers. But the numbers really do make me a better player."
Keller was also looking for a more effective changeup. He hasn't found a "set in stone" grip yet, but he is looking for ways to continue to manipulate the ball.
"I don’t remember how many I threw last year, but they weren’t effective," Keller said. "I need it to be in the hitter’s mind that I have that."
Other news, notes, sounds and sights from Day 3 of Pirates summer camp Sunday:
That sound ?? pic.twitter.com/51YaHSRVMn
— DK Pittsburgh Sports (@DKPghSports) July 6, 2020
• Adam Frazier was "pretty fortunate" during the shutdown and was able to continue his prep work for the season at his alma mater, Mississippi State. There, he was able to use their field, weight room and batting cages, where he was able to "feel" his swing again.
He doesn't normally train there, but those were desperate times.
"I have some connections where I usually spend the offseason, but not to that extent where we can bend the laws a little bit and sneak in, sneak out," he said during a Zoom call.
• Some teams, including the Nationals and Astros, have shut down workouts as Major League Baseball has had testing delays. Here is the league's statement:
MLB statement on “unforeseen difficulties” with testing. #DKPS #Pirates pic.twitter.com/6wZlHkKBxL
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) July 6, 2020
While the Pirates' MLB camp has not been impacted greatly by this, it has affected their Altoona camp. More on that here.
• MLB released their schedule Monday. The Pirates will start in St. Louis on July 24 and then come to Pittsburgh to host the Brewers July 27. Again, more on that here.
