Welcome back to Trackman Traits. In this piece we will be dissecting the numbers the Trackman produces and the effect they can have on a pitcher's approach. Below there will be definitions of each category that we believe to be the most important for a young arm to keep in mind as well as breaking down an arm and giving suggestions on how they can improve their game. Keep in mind, in some categories it is better to be further away from average even if the numbers are wavering on below average. 

FASTBALL VELOCITY

Fastball velocity doesn't go much deeper than just looking at the numbers and comparing them to the graphic below! Fastball velocity complements just about all of the other metrics that are measured. If you throw hard, it makes all your other pitches/metrics even better.

FASTBALL SPIN RATE

Spin rate is a measurement that if you are below average or above average, you can pitch with more room for error. On the other hand, if you are average you should try to throw in the bottom half of the zone with exceptional command. High spin fastballs profile as one that is frequently described as having "late life". Low spin fastballs tend to profile as a fastball that has heavy feel to it. Pitch movement is still dependent on spin direction of the pitch but Trackman does not have that metric displayed on profiles. 

BAUER UNITS

Bauer Units are an easier way of determining how useful the spin numbers are compared to the velocity. We can calculate this metric by taking average spin rate and dividing it by average velocity. Bauer Units are useful because we can have a case of two pitchers with the same spin numbers, ex. 2200 RPM, but one pitcher throws 90 MPH and the other throws 83 MPH. The pitcher throwing 90 MPH with 2200 spin is not as impressive as the pitcher throwing 83 MPH with the same spin. Typically, we would tell the harder throwing pitcher to throw up in the zone purely off his velocity and his high spin, but because his Bauer Units would equate to around 24 that would be only 1 unit off of average (23), therefore he would want to hammer the bottom of the zone. On the other side, the pitcher throwing 83 MPH has a Bauer Unit measurement of 26 which is incredibly impressive. This would allow him to throw up in the zone even though his velocity is not blow away type numbers because he produces above average spin with that slated velocity. 

FASTBALL INDUCED VERTICAL BREAK

As far as deception and importance goes, fast induced vertical break (IVB) may be the most important. Induced vertical break is not what is sounds. IVB simply means the pitch is "breaking" upward from the average level a pitch falls from release to home plate. This is a stat that you want to stay away from being average at. Fortunately, this can be tweaked slightly depending on release height. To put it simply, the higher number =  more "rise" the pitch has compared to average. Lower number = more depth the pitch has to it. 

CURVEBALL SPIN RATE

Spin rate on curveballs is pretty simple: higher spin = nastier stuff. There are some ways to manipulate spin numbers slightly but for the most part spin is spin. At the moment, there are no well known ways to change your spin in a big way. Spin not only dictates how sharp your curveball is, but it can also aid in keeping hitters honest by having similar rotation matching that of your fastball. 

Fastball Breakdown

Velocity: Conway presents quality velo for a '23 arm, especially from the left side. As we know, left handed arms come at a premium and are valued by next level scouts. Topping out at 84 MPH and cruising around 80-82 MPH sets Conway on a good pace to become a highly touted prospect if he continues the uphill climb on the velocity ladder. Conway finds himself in the top 25% on the velocity chart compared to all high school arms. With this three seasons left to progress, Conway has a high ceiling.

Spin Rate: With an average of 1896 RPM, Conway doesn't have spin numbers that allow him to venture up in the zone a whole lot because his ball won't have that hop that a high spin FB would. With low spin, Conway would find success throwing in the bottom of the zone as he has good sink and heavy feel to his ball. We know that spin rate moves steadily alongside velocity, so as Conway's velo goes up as could his spin. Though that is no guarantee, but if it does happen we can't see it being a drastic pitch profile changing amount. 

Bauer Units: With a max Bauer Unit measurement of 25 we can assume that his average probably falls somewhere around 21-23. This would slate Conway in around league average, thus proving that he does not have exceptional spin on his fastball for his velocity. That being said, low spin is not a bad thing. This is a measurement where you would rather be on the ends of the spectrum versus being average. Average is what the hitters are used to seeing, so when a hitter sees above average or below average, it is a very drastic difference for them. 

Induced Vertical Break: With a high of 22.5" and an average of 18.5", Conway won't find much success throwing up in the zone as these numbers float around average. So for the sake of not being repetitive, let's keep it succinct. Elias Conway has exceptional numbers to be a bottom of the zone/sinker ball type pitcher. He induces anywhere from 12"-20" of horizontal moment to his arm side so this gives him the advantage to throw in the bottom of the zone under hitter's barrels. 

Curveball Breakdown

Spin Rate: Conway possesses average to just above average spin on his curveball. This gives him the ability to throw it with some advanced depth on it. The velo is a touch low on it, but that increases with comfort and trust in the pitch. Looking at the pitch on video and peaking at the spin, this pitch has the potential to be a plus swing and miss pitch. 

Horizontal/Vertical Break: When we look at horizontal movement (HM) you want to think about it on a number line scale from the pitcher's view to home. At pitcher's mound, the measurement would be zero if someone threw a pitch that didn't move to either side. If a pitch moves to the left, it is a negative number and if a pitch moves to the right it would be a positive number. Conway utilizes -10" of IVB and 16" on horizontal break to create a nasty, swing and miss sweeping breaking ball. This pitch, as said above, has potential to be an elite pitch, if it isn't already. To put into perspective how hard Conway can make it on hitters, he has two pitches that move in the opposite directions. Not only do they just simply break away from each other, they do it in a big way. He can tunnel these two pitches, and wreak havoc on opposing hitters.

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