When it comes to pitching, perhaps the most underrated facet of the game is being able to disguise pitches. Pitchers rely on velocity, movement, and deception to fool hitters, with most of the best pitchers in the game being able to use all three tools. Batters have about a quarter of a second to make a decision to swing or not, basing that decision off of the ability to recognize spin and the release point. Pitchers that can provide a consistent release point with all of their pitches and similar looking movement and spin are the ones that are able to fool hitters into making a bad decision.
An explanation behind why Robbie Ray struggles with efficiency on the mound
