In his first Cactus League start, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s grips were visible on the center field camera. Astute viewers watching the SportsNet LA broadcast could call out each pitch before Yamamoto delivered it.
So could former Dodgers outfielder and current color analyst Rick Monday, who was picking each pitch as Yamamoto got set on the rubber.
Teams cannot use the center-field camera view during games, but that wouldn’t stop a runner on second base from trying to sneak a peek if Yamamoto’s grip is equally visible out of the stretch.
Pitching coach Mark Prior told Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register that pitch-tipping is something coaches constantly try to pick up on.
“There’s always different things that you’re looking for. What can hitters actually see? What can hitters actually react to in time? Do you need a runner on second base?
“There’s different variations of tipping. Sometimes it’s glove. Sometimes it’s tempo. Sometimes it’s a guy sticking his tongue out. So there’s all different types of things. At the end of the day, you’re trying to figure out what is actually actionable for a hitter to act on in real time.”
While Prior and the coaches will help Yamamoto adjust to this aspect of Major League Baseball, the pitcher himself isn’t too worried about it.
“It’s not really a big concern for me at this point. As it gets closer to the season, I’ll fix it and talk to the coaches.
“It was the same in Japan. When the season starts, I’ll make those adjustments.”
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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