How Ranger Suarez is Dominating MLB with Bad Pitches

[@SmartrBaseball]

Go to my sponsor snhu.edu/smartrbaseball and to see how to turn a passion for sports into a career.

[@yamyamyams2629]

I'm not going to watch the video. Calling his stuff "bad" is super disrespectful. I'm over all these pitching experts telling us that location pitchers can't win. When they always have in the league. The dude is on a heater and is out smarting hitters. It's that simple. Who knows, maybe you do give him hid flowers in the video, but I'll never know because of that click baity title of yours.😊

[@stephencorsaro954]

His pitch sequencing is genius. He seems to know where hitters are looking after a couple of pitches .Notice he makes a serious effort to watch the hitters reactions..watch him concentrate on the hitter as he swings ..always. He sees what pitch the hitters looking for and goes out of the zone in that area..with a pitch they aren't looking for. His pitching IQ is off the charts.

[@DTMJR1987]

Pitching to JT Realmuto also contributes to this because his IQ is equally impressive behind the plate

[@kennynguyen6246]

@@DTMJR1987really be when you get the 2 smartest students in class paired for a project. They really be In sync.

[@Kaylon66304]

@@DTMJR1987sometimes realmuto is on the il and Ranger still cooks

[@zooms7889]

@@DTMJR1987 he was worse after JT went on IL, and also seemed to throw shade on the backup catcher's game-calling once, so that probably is a factor

[@castlefreeland]

The old adage “He knows how to pitch” applies here. Definitely a throwback pitcher.

[@7heAteles]

Ranger Suarez single handedly showing that all of the analytics and velocity in the world don’t matter when you bring in confidence, intelligence and the will to win.

[@coldmagnet]

Location and strategy > high velo in obvious FB situations

[@KevinD-wn7pd]

He's basically Jamie Moyer 2.0.

[@7heAteles]

@@KevinD-wn7pd disagree Jamie Moyer rarely broke 80mph Rangers velocity is just 2 mph short of league average. The similarities of location are spot on.

[@antonytomas1]

I'm not sure if you're daft or if you're just joking. One guy doesn't make the millions upon millions of statistics out there meaningless. And yes, analytics and statistics go hand in hand. Statistics is what is being analyzed. Velocity is one statistic. There is more to analytics than "Who has the fastest fastball." Cute post tho sweetheart.

[@castlebravoli7]

I will eat my socks if Ranger isn't preparing for games by carefully studying the tendencies of the hitters he's expecting to face. This kind of pitching is a million times more effective with analytics informing the decisions he's making on the mound

[@napoleantntgaming5265]

Literally a pitcher out of the 50s. He just uses the power of friendship and the band Stay Loose and Sexy (ifykyk)

[@JonathanBre]

I love brandon marsh man 😂

[@jamesmoore6695]

Ranger has such a strong feel for the game. His situational awareness + baseball IQ + strong command + gold glove level fielding collimates into an elite pitcher who gets efficient outs for 7 innings. You eluded to it in the video, he doesn't rely on great stuff to get his outs, he frames his pitches to ultimately confuse and outsmart the hitters. I love how old school he is.

[@yahcrack]

Jazz Chisholm said Ranger has the best sinker in baseball and Ozzie said he’s the hardest pitcher he faced.

[@ozzuzzomg]

he seems touse baseball iq and knowing whatthe hitters looking for becuasehe doesn't have a single pluspitch

[@brucesmith765]

@@ozzuzzomg Man its crazy. Maybe the actual hitters know more than some stuffy analytics guy

[@Shawn-s3b]

He’s a pitcher in a league with a bunch of throwers.

[@lowgearman9731]

Yes how true

[@zachchuck6230]

He’s a pitcher not a thrower. All these stats nowadays mean jack shit if they throw a 100 mph fastball but they can’t locate it properly

[@BB-mw8dq]

Phils fan here, I love watching his highlight film, just Bob Ross level painting. The guy he reminds me of right now is Dallas Keuchel in his cy young year. Hitters just aren’t seeing him that well and his location is impeccable

[@SmartrBaseball]

I like that comparison, command and pitching over stuff

[@deepzone31]

Agree. Great comp.

[@dynohusky]

He is the ultimate reminder that pitching is an art. Having great stuff makes it easier but knowing what to throw and being able to locate at an elite level can be king

[@greeneggsandham91]

"Bad stuff" is ridiculous to say. His fastball speed is below average. That's the only reason why he was projected as a mid rotation starter instead of an ace as a prospect. Even with that, no scout ever called his stuff "bad.". He's pitching a lot better than he was expected but he was never considered fringe or AAAA.

[@PaladinLarec]

I heard people compare him to Jamie Moyer, but as a diehard Phillie fan, I see him more as a Terry Mulholland guy. Extremely intelligent, extremely poised and confident. Nothing really fantastic or fast or hot, but he's super smart and ballsy, and that is a rarity. Like Moyer and Mulholland, he's just got big cajones and has absolutely zero fear. Also, he's GREAT at soft contact. Contact pitchers are really dangerous and you don't see pure contact pitchers much anymore.

[@RustyShakleford01]

Just from the highlights in the video, he seems to hit his spots really well. You don't need video game type stuff if you have incredible command.

[@robgregory5136]

His velocity is down a bit, but his location is better. Which is pitching right, not just throwing

[@DTMJR1987]

His changeup is filthy and the consistently of his wind-up & delivery is deceptive and keeps hitters on their heels

[@C52Panthers]

As a Phillies fan myself, I think the improvement the Phillies made defensively should be accounted for as well. Marsh, Rojas, Harper and Turner are all improvements defensively at their respective positions, and Bohm has really become a really good defender at 3B. Since he’s a ground ball pitcher he relies on good defense behind him which the Phillies have gotten better yearly, which in essence makes Ranger more effective.

[@ShelfyTV]

Stats & Analytics don’t track how consistent your arm angles & releases are. Batters truly don’t know what’s coming. He’s always 2 steps ahead and has 0 tells. Old school.

[@JimCuzin]

He has been absolutely awesome almost every start. You touched on just about everything that makes him great, and trash? Lol. I think the one thing you missed. The defense has his back. Bohm has been much better. Turner/Sosa (thank god for Sosa) stotty to hotty has gotten better. Jt quarterbacking and Bryce is..... Bryce. I really hope we can get healthy and finish what we started 2 years ago!! Great vid.

[@natewalters7819]

Also part of his ability is he get weak contact and you can make the case he’s the best glove in the infield when he’s on the mound.

[@jeffreyhillbom6032]

Can we take a second and admire how many ground balls that Bohm played extremely well

[@Khitiara_]

its kinda funny how much the current phillies rotation reminds me of the glory years pitchers we had. ranger reminds me a ton of jamie moyer, sanchez feels a lot like hamels in his changeup in all that, and wheels is very much like halladay in some ways

[@Brian-nw2bn]

Awesome video brother! Would love a video on the Phillies starting staff in general! Liked shared and subbed, God speed brother so happy to have found your channel.

[@oscarcastro4112]

The Astros had the overall pitching edge in the 2022 WS, but this guy completely shut down any and all competition in that year’s playoffs

[@deepzone31]

He and his catchers know how to use him and how to sequence and tunnel effectively. His command is plus plus, even if his pitches look low grade in the vacuum of technical analysis. He reads hitters well. He pitches to contact. He ambushes guys when they are looking for the wrong pitch. He and Sanchez are similar in that regard. Both have an uncanny ability to pull the string or heat it up in the right quadrant at the right time.

[@gscollect]

Hey, just wanted to tell you that I think you’re doing a good job. Great knowledge of the game.

[@mingify471]

He’s Trevor bauer with how smart he is in pitch selection and sequencing. Suarez is the most versatile pitcher this year i hope it continues

[@WeSee035]

Ranger is a GAMER - watch his body language/confidence when he's on the mound

[@mangomangay7747]

Thanks for the jinx

[@castlebravoli7]

People have compared him to Jamie Moyer and that feels right. It's a very sustainable pitching style. If he can stay healthy he could be pitching effectively into his 40s

[@michaelhicks2665]

I love how nonchalant he is when he fields a comebacker. It feels almost disrespectful to the batter but is hilarious 100% of the time

[@frankperricone4810]

And doing it in a great hitters park.

[@dynamoproductions5]

Realest baseball channel out here. Loved the video, keep it up!!

[@TheEpic22]

He throws 5 unique pitches and locates them all well. That’s more important than mastering any 1 pitch. Hitters don’t know what’s coming and he doesn’t make many mistakes

[@mrdunk3498]

Rangers also super athletic and an incredible defender

[@isis5888]

JT Realmuto’s pitch calls piss me off, sometimes, because the man simply will not give up on a spot despite his pitcher missing it multiple times (which can and has led to calamity), but God if he and Ranger don’t cook together. I wish I was capable of that sort of trust.

[@mattgehringer8554]

Baseball rocks man

[@KingbrioTV]

Stop trying to get a scouting report on my guy 😂 mind your biz let Ranger do him 🤝🏾💯

[@marys1157]

In my eyes your one of the best. ❤

[@jakjak789]

Maybe there needs to be a new definition of “bad stuff”. He’s been incredible to watch this season.

[@carado1984]

Ground balls mean double plays. Double plays mean low pitch count. Low pitch count saves reliever arms. It's deeper than his stuff.

[@bmxfreakxyo]

As a Phillies fan, it always seems like he’s throwing the exact opposite pitch they were expecting every time.

[@codyfarmer1]

Why don't you ask greg Maddux how he got outs. I'll give you a hint. He hit his spot 90 percent of the time. Pitching isn't all about "stuff" it's about setting up hitters and hitting your spot with the right pitch.

[@ColeWagner-l9z]

Ranger the goattt

[@Brooklynquietmoney]

Lmao great video bro 😂🔥

[@logia6]

Ranger is basically Framber for Astros fans

[@eagleotto2527]

And he finally has a good defense around him

[@Legendkiller6945]

He actually pitches. Simple as that

[@freddyandfoxy7526]

Ranger Suarez shows you that velocity isn't anything.

[@pangaea6united]

How much u think his contract gonna be

[@fredm9]

0 strikeouts today are you kidding me completely destroying my parlays 🤣🤣🤣

[@CliftonLee33]

Greg Maddux and Jamie Moyer had a baby.

[@glennknauer2696]

He IS the Iceman.

[@dank8924]

hes the best fielding pitcher in the league too btw

[@Vincentovich89]

You know what else is king? Tommy John Surgery.

[@myworms]

Reminds me of a younger Martin Perez.

[@PopePlatinumBeats]

the batters facing the Red Ranger just have no clue what is coming... you cant sit on anything with Ranger...u are always off balance

[@BYanez2662]

Most ambiguous sports specific video ive ever seen. Narrated like a high school project. Spoken like trained at ESPN.

[@pangaea6united]

I think he pitches tonight

[@MMMmyshawarma]

Back to Maddux/Moyer style.

[@JesseLohr-c6c]

All this analytic stuff is nonsense. Ask Greg Maddux if throwing 100mph fastball and have 500 degrees of break on a curveball made a difference to him. Being able to locate your pitches, have a good pitch sequence and keep the ball in the park as well as helping yourself out by fielding your position is as important as throwing the ball hard. All of which Ranger excels at.

[@ifithrewmyguitaroutt]

I think Bryce Elder is the right-handed version of Ranger Suarez. I know struggled down the stretch last year and early this year, but he was just called up and threw 6 innings of 2-run ball against a red hot Cardinals team.

[@somerandomguy5977]

Definition of a fangraph nerd. We're so obsessed with stuff his stuff isn't terrible. If that's terrible stuff you'd puke in your mouth seeing what long relievers threw even in the 2000's. The guy has elite command which is something you stat nerds somehow can't even quantify so you act like it's useless. If you actually wanted to make a bad stuff good pitcher you could've used Kyle Hendricks who I don't think ever averaged over 90 and has been elite until recently.

[@broadfjord7087]

It’s all about the socks, you gotta look like a badass and not like you’re wearing pajamas 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@garywhite2599]

New age maddux

[@samuelherbert4252]

He doesn’t throw that slow…His fastball is slightly slower than average which is 94 mph.

[@boominbo]

Take his strikeout demon today against Detroit all he has to do is get 6 they are terrible against LHP

[@KoLJayDubb]

He's ben watching Bauers videos

[@jimr8956]

I love that he is making all the analytical people look stupid. And that makes me happy.

[@danielevans8728]

I'll take location over velo all day, every day.. what's the saying.. location, location, location

[@harborwolf22]

Did he 'struggle to make it through the season' or was he a 'solid starting pitcher' ...? Why did you directly contradict yourself within the same sentence...? Not the best first impression of your channel.

[@thehalfmanTL]

Ranger bout to get blown up in his next game, thx bro😂

[@eagleotto2527]

He might give up 2 runs and ruin his ERA

[@rjh239]

Sounds like the Mohammad Abbas of baseball

[@happymealfan]

This might not age well but who knows

[@AmazingJayB51]

Realizing half way through, why am watching this 😒

[@jerryemt2001]

Sometimes these elaborate stats are BS and meaningless. He wins. They cant hit him. He is throwing major league stuff. Dumbest vid I ever sat through

[@georgeschneider333]

7 home runs allowed.

[@MusicmanII777]

Hes a pitcher not a thrower like todays league

[@spideymcgee4718]

Location Location Location

[@jimc.goodfellas]

He will come back down to earth soon

[@yahcrack]

Braves or Mets fan

[@stevebabiak6997]

@@yahcrack - you meant Cowards or Mutts I’m sure ;)

[@Chadturner21]

Analytics are for dweebs, Suarez shows that that is actually the case

[@blairmcbride5437]

Meanwhile Reynaldo Lopez is pitching better.

[@coreywags1]

Def not! He has 20 less innings pitched compared to saurez

[@JLA203]

Reynaldo Lopez is what we call an overperformer

[@blairmcbride5437]

@JLA203 so is Ranger Suarez.

[@JLA203]

@@blairmcbride5437 false

[@Bucketgetter2155]

Dude barely gets past 5 innings

[@Michaelpercinski25]

“Bad pitches” because he isn’t pumping out 97-100 mph. Velo isn’t everything. Dudes locates all his pitches

[@dajuanbanks6556]

Right….bad pitches smh 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@martinbryant5138]

Suarez also is a great defender of his position once the contact is made. Really good at snagging bullets past him - or knocking them down - or getting to first to cover the bag.

[@aidancooper9498]

I stopped watching once the guy making the video dropped like 7 mins of stats with no real analysis and the just contradicted what conclusion should be drawn from it lol He's a good pitcher and it's not just that he's so smart with his changeups and sinkers like wtf lmao

[@jeremylugo5206]

he’s giving me jamie moyer vibes. as in, his velocity won’t blow you away, but the location of his pitches is immaculate and knows how to get out of a situation by placing a pitch in the perfect spot

[@SmartrBaseball]

Jamie Moyer was awesome, such a smart pitcher and could put his pitches through a cheerio

[@jeremylugo5206]

@@SmartrBaseball most definitely, and one of the few ppl who’s prime started after he turned 30, which is crazy

[@Vincentovich89]

Jamie Moyer is a legend because of his 77mph fastball while starting at 47 years old. Lol. I too enjoyed Moyer though.

[@jeremylugo5206]

@@Vincentovich89 he was also a valuable peace to the Phillies when they won it all in ‘08, at the age of 45

[@JMA824]

Jamie Moyer woulda killed for his fastball to reach 91mph. Im a life long Ms fan and was able watch Moyer in his prime, he was awesome! If he pitched today, with hitter free swinging for homeruns every at bat, I bet he would be even better!

[@ThugshakerCentral-nz3ec]

Location is the most important thing in baseball

[@barneyrubble4827]

And disguising pitches

[@ScottDreyfus]

If you went by all these metrics Greg maddux would have never been a HOFer either.

[@craigorr9713]

This is the comment I would have made. (Plus, Suarez fields his position very well. Again, not as well as Maddux, but then, who does?)

[@ScottDreyfus]

@@craigorr9713 he was the best…. I got one pitch it’s 88 you know it’s coming and you still can’t hit it

[@kiefdemon1979]

The eye test for me told me Ranger was the real deal back in 2022. He's a big location pitcher and attacking batters in their weak spots. He always has thrown his pitchers in the opposite mindset most batters assume would be thrown their way and these batters have yet to catch on to it. He's also extremely great defensively as a pitcher, I always said if he started a full season, he could win a gold glove as a pitcher. He's also a workhorse when healthy.

[@deepzone31]

Yep. The post season heroism in the WS loss year was his coming out party. He was the pitcher everyone wanted on the hill in a crucial pen situation. He put the team on his back.

[@PopePlatinumBeats]

its like a WR in football... its always a few WR who arent big or fast... but just know how to run routes perfectly and end up playing 12 years in the league... while most of those big fast guys are done in 3

[@davidhumphreys3199]

Back in my day before we had velo and spin rate, we had location and mixing up your pitches. I think sticking to who you are as a pitcher is probably the most important thing you can do and the difference 1-0 or 0-1 makes on a stat line speaks for itself. He’s been better at getting ahead and doesn’t rely on any one pitch. Jamie Moyer was brought to Philly in the first place because his arsenal was so different and with the emphasis on velo and spin rate now more than ever I’m sure that Ranger, as well as others in the Phillies rotation not named Walker, has the same effect. You spend all week facing 95-98 just to have to flip the switch for a series where the bullpen comes in and flips the switch right back.

[@chaserobinson9109]

If a pitcher doesn’t allow runs the stuff is good. That’s just how it works. It’s just “different” stuff the less runs you give up the better your stuff is because it’s harder to hit

[@Evan-mw2qi]

This is the problem with advanced stats. Ranger is dominant because he quite literally never misses location.

[@palepwnr]

Everything is on the edge or outside of the zone and low. He paints.

[@bcask61]

Suarez proves a couple things. First, there is more than more way to get hitters out. Second, these new fangled stats are mostly worthless gibberish.

[@mlbthebro6386]

As a Phillies fan I’m willing to bet Ranger got some advice from Jamie Moyer

[@chefpetey]

COMMAND

[@danielcarneiro8312]

Well looks like to me that he's a pitcher not a thrower, he doesn't need to have the best, most disgusting, most nasty pitch of all time to be good, he just needs to be good in his strenghs and not be bad in his weaknesses. He's got incredible location in every pitch and knows how to work the batters, he's a pitcher not a thrower

[@lorimeyers3839]

Look at Ranger’s season now, heading into the playoffs. He’s been a disaster since he came off the IL. His velocity is down, sinker coming in at 88-90 instead of 93-94 in 2022, 92-93 last year and 91-92 between April and his first IL stint. Something ain’t right.

[@damianlillard06]

Welp this aged pretty terribly

[@SJK-uc6lf]

😢

[@dizzykincade7831]

And he will stay healthy…