CSB : What Happened To Verlander

What happened to Justin Verlander?

For the past few years Justin Verlander has worn the crown of best pitcher in MLB. His 100 MPH fastball, devastating curveball, exploding slider, and disappearing change-up makes up one of the best pitch repertoires in the history of the game. His command of all these pitches even raises his dominance to another level. He was the 2011 MVP, making him the last pitcher since 1992 to win the award. 

This year has been a different story. His ERA has been in the upper 3s and his overall effectiveness has seemingly worn off. Many people around the sport of baseball are especially concerned with his current velocity being around 90-92mph. I've gone over the videos of Verlander in peak 2011 form, opposed to his 2013 delivery. Within a few minutes I noticed the blaring difference between the two. 

Lets take a step by step look at what has changed.

Verlander during 2011 Playoffs

Verlander in 2013

Going through the Core Savvy checklist of possible red flags I was looking at his leg drive, equal & opposite hands, and foot strike.  

1. Leg Drive: What I look for here is if he gets the same angle of the back leg while he strides out. Having a good loaded stride has been key for Verlander to achieve such high velocity in previous years. When looking at these videos there seems to be no difference. So "A" Ok for Verlander on leg drive.
2. Equal & Opposite: One of the big factors in decreased velocity has to do with the hands not being on time. In other words, the arm would drag and make pitches feel more strenuous, when in reality they are coming out slower. This can be a timing issue for a pitcher that takes a conscious effort to correct. Looking at the videos, I notice only a slight difference between the two. I would say that Verlander's hands are a split second late in the 2013 video and aren't in the same position seen in his 2011 season. Being that this difference is so small, I do not think this is the reason for the 5-8 mph drop in his fastball. 
3. Foot Strike: The importance of foot strike in a pitchers delivery may be the most important concept period. It ties into the entire rhythm of the delivery. When the front foot lands, that is when all of the torque and energy from the legs and core start to unleash towards home plate. Having a strong front leg is crucial for velocity. Verlander's weak front leg is where he is losing velocity. Look at how his front leg stays strong and stiff in the 2011 video. Now look at the 2013 video and notice how his front knee seems to give out or bend slightly while he is throwing. What is happening is that his front knee is giving out due to the force into the ground. The fact that it is happening while he is throwing, not after, is a huge red flag. This may not seem like a lot, but if a pitcher doesn't throw up against a strong front side, he is leaking power and in turn losing velocity. This flaw has been consistent throughout his 2013 season, but you can't find it in 2011. 

Undoubtedly this mechanical flaw of a weak front knee is what is causing Verlander to lose velocity. It is possible Verlander is experiencing a knee or hamstring injury that is being kept under wraps. This could be the cause for the weakness of the front knee. 

           Justin, and all our readers, if you have any questions you know where to reach us: 


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