jonathon papeLbon invents a new pitch: the sLutter

[sniffa]

it's not quite a cutter, and it's not quite a sLider. he couLd have caLLed it a cLider, but that doesn't have the same ring.


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- He threw Jonny Gomes a "slutter." That's what Jonathan Papelbon calls his new pitch -- a combination cut fastball and slider.
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The new pitch, as Papelbon was explaining it near his locker, had reporters in stitches.

Kyle Snyder stood behind him, mouthing the words, "Don't print that . . ." But Papelbon was serious. He spoke about how he throws it with his palm out and how he doesn't "pronate through the ball" when he throws it. He was very serious. He said it wasn't a true slider or a cutter because of the angle at which the ball travels.

The language is something out of Dennis Eckersley's vocabulary ("gas," "cheese"), but last night Papelbon became the first Red Sox reliever to record two 30-save seasons

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/08/22/new_pitch_same_story_for_papelbon/

was this an intentionaL effort to use the word sLut?

[Katherine Brengle]

1. Maybe.

I have no idea but it sounds really gross.

[Mythsaje]

2. I would've called it a "clider."

Simply because the other way is just plain stupid.

[Fierce]

3. New pitch, my ass.

Pitchers have been throwing the "cut slider" for years. Sheesh.

[Forkboy]

4. With all the porn threads lately I'd love to see this devolve into a baseball argument.

:)

[Fierce]

6. I'm trying!

I'm just pissed he's acting like he invented this pitch!

[EST]

5. That's pretty cool!

So if it doesn't "pronate," then his hand does not allow the ball to roll off his fingertips, exhibiting little or no spin, like a slider. To also make a fast ball of it requires extraordinary control and must be a difficult act to pull off, obviously confusing the batter, as it, no doubt, was designed to do.

[sniffa]

7. indeed

i'm trying to wrap my mind around the description of the mechanics of it. :o

[11 Bravo]

8. Which Bush twin taught him that pitch?