![]() Santana throws four pitches for strikes-four- and two-seam fastballs between 92 and 95 mph, a slider/curve in the 84- to 87-mph range and a changeup that’s about 15 to 20 mph slower than the fastball. The most useful and interesting scouting information I found was an interview from 2006 that Pat Borzi conducted for the Sporting News with Johan Santana and his catcher Joe Mauer. A few scouting reports speak of five pitches–two fastballs, a slider, a circle change, and a straight change. Most major league changeups are 7-10 mph slower than the pitcher’s fastball. Were this true, it would be highly unusual. ![]() Most scouting reports list three pitches for Santana–fastball, changeup, and slider–and mention that his changeup comes in 15-20 mph slower than his fastball. If you look at the scouting reports, they all talk about Johan Santana’s devastating changeup and how he works to make his throwing motion identical for all pitches. However, I’d like to take a look at the pitching repertoire and strategy of possibly the best pitcher in baseball. I’ll leave the predictions of where he’ll land to those who are better qualified or more eager to comment than I am. Now, as Santana approaches the final season of the 4-year, $39.75 million contract he signed three years ago, the Twins appear eager to trade him, and the reported suitors include such teams as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets, subject to Santana’s approval. Santana is a 28-year-old from Tovar, Venezuela, and after his fourth full year in the starting rotation, he already owns two Cy Young Award trophies. Who is the best pitcher in baseball right now? Some might answer that question with Jake Peavy or Josh Beckett, but I’d guess that at least 7 out of 10 times, the answer you would get is Minnesota Twins left-hander Johan Santana. Since the MVN.com site is defunct and its articles are no longer available on the web, I am re-publishing the article here. Note: This article was originally published at the Statistically Speaking blog at MVN.com on January 9, 2008.
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