© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Although last year saw a considerable improvement from Hunter Strickland, who blew five saves with a 3.10 ERA in 61 innings pitched from the bullpen in 2016, there’s still areas in his repertoire he can work on. While making an appearance on Murph & Mac Tuesday morning, Mike Krukow identified how Strickland can improve this season, and said he believes the 29-year-old has the makings of future closer.
“He still needs to have another speed,” Krukow said. “He needs split or circle-changeup. He needs something he can throw in a fastball count; 2-0, 3-1, 3-2, that is going to be an effect pitch that he knows he can get over. You give him three weapons like that with the fastball that he has and just the competitiveness that he has, he can be a closer.”
After four years in the major leagues, Strickland’s average velocity remained at 96.1 mph by the end of 2017. That pitch goes well with his changeup, which clocked in at 89.5 last season, but what Krukow believes is bringing Strickland down is the lack a third speed that will further throw off hitters.
“He needs a third speed,” Krukow said. “He’s got the fastball. He’s learned to go two grips with the fastball, which gives him two types of movement.”
On top of another speed, Strickland received some Hall of Fame-caliber help from a fellow right-handed pitcher to improve his slider.
“This offseason is an interesting story,” Krukow said. “Hunter Strickland’s agent is also the guy who was the agent for John Smoltz. John Smoltz arguably had the best right-handed slider ever and the agent got Strickland an opportunity to go in there and talk to Smoltz.”
The pitch that played a integral role in bringing Smoltz 21 phenomenal years in the major leagues and a Hall of Fame nomination is the same pitch that, if mastered, could take Strickland to the next level.
“Smoltz is really articulate and willing to share his experience with the slider,” Krukow said. “So I’m excited to see if some of that is going to pay any dividends for Strickland because he had a lazy slider. If he gets a quicker slider and it becomes a kill pitch, a swing-and-miss pitch, that’ll be effective against righties and lefties.”
To listen to the full interview check out the podcast below, and skip to 9:35 for Krukow on Strickland.