Which pitcher has (or had) the best mechanics?

Cubby

Not sure about mechanix, but I used to love to watch Palmer pitch.

edmundfitzgerald

I think the pitcher that got his car back the soonest probably had the best mechanics.

Cubby

edmundfitzgerald

I think the guys who consistently threw strikes probably had the best mechanics. Guys like Maddux and Glavine who painted
the black part of the plate.

Palmer did have a beautiful flowing motion. You don't see anymore Palmer or Marichal's anymore. You don't see any Tiant's or Holtzman's.
Heck, you'll probably never see a Bob Moose like delivery.

Everything now is Clemens or Beckett like (except the Asian pitchers). Most kids are taught the same way to throw in the instructional leagues. Everyone is John Smoltz or Greg Maddux like in their delivery. Nothing is out of the ordinary. I can count on one hand the amount of pitchers who have a high leg kick, or twitch in their delivery. Everything is Tom Seaver like now. Straight up and down.
I guess that's because that's the best way to pitch.

otwcards

Probably the best fundamentals and use of the entire body to pitch belonged to Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan. They were from the Wes Westrum school that put a huge emphasis on using the lower body to generate power and remove stress from the shoulder and elbow. It's not surprising that the pitchers that came through that system were hard throwing pitchers that rarely had arm problems (Seaver, Ryan, Jerry Koosman, Jon Matlack and Tug McGraw).

otwcards

As far as recent pitchers, I think the best mechanics belonged to Roger Clemens and currently, the most fluid and consistent pitcher with regard to technique is Mariano Rivera.

BobaFett72

Gred maddux currently. effortless.

jimq112

I saw Andy Pettitte pitch last Sunday and from my seat it looked like a lefty Tom Seaver.

ziggy29

What's interesting is that a lot of people equate "best mechanics" with "least likely to break down."

In that vein, I remember how so many baseball insiders raved about the "mechanics" of Mark Prior.

Oops.

ymarea

Best: Tom Seaver

Worst: Mitch Williams

bman90278

<< <i> I think the pitcher that got his car back the soonest probably had the best mechanics. >>

As a former engine builder, I have to agree with that one.

Brian48

I'd have to put Nolan Ryan up there. He was not a very big guy by today's standards, but he was able to squeeze every bit of leverage out of his windup and delivery to maximize his velocity. This is something that Jerry Remy (former Ryan teammate before being traded to the Red Sox) repeatedly points out whenever asked to comment about any of the newer power pitchers.

SDSportsFan

The best I've seen are Seaver, Ryan and Maddux. Long careers, exceptional numbers and never any major injuries (well, except for Ryan finally blowing his arm out on his last pitch).


Steve

WinPitcher

Seaver and Palmer get my vote.

Steve

mkg809

Tommy John of course.

Dave99B

Jim Palmer, hands down.

Dave

PSASAP

Jim Kaat should be high on the list. Not only did he pitch 25 seasons without a major injury, but he won 16 straight Gold Gloves. "Good mechanics" also includes the follow through, which allows the pitcher to field his position well.

jay0791

many good ones already mentioned. I think mike mussina has very good mechanics.......

softparade

Mechanics are different with every individual. I think the guys with the most wins, strikeouts, and best era's have the best mechanics in any given year

mommam17

That`s easy. Sandy Koufax. High leg kick, reached back and rifled the ball.

mrguby

at one time no one was better than pedro.