Q&A: Justin Masterson, Rhapsodic Masterpiece

An interview with Justin Masterson over at Fangraphs. Masterson is mainly asked about pitching as an art form. Some interesting information about his approach to hitters and confidence in self.

5 months ago hans 5 comments 0 recs |

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Was just about to post this, with the title "Hey, Austin. I thought about throwing a changeup today."

Hilarious line.

by westbrook on Dec 21, 2011 5:30 PM EST reply actions

I was hoping someone had similar sentiments. It also may elucidate Kearns’ approach at the plate last year. “He’s got to have a fastball; I bet he’ll pitch it next.”

by themadlibs on Dec 22, 2011 2:34 AM EST up reply actions

Interesting article. Good job of article for the interplay between confidence, ability and analysis. As he gets more success and his control improves, he gains the confidence to stick to what he wants to do (throw mostly fastballs) despite that being somewhat abnormal for a SP. Makes you wonder if he was not having success if he would be tinkering with the other pitches and his overall game would suffer.

Len Barker Perfect Game Attendee

by PortlandVinny on Dec 21, 2011 6:29 PM EST reply actions

Jesus that second sentence is a mess.

Len Barker Perfect Game Attendee

by PortlandVinny on Dec 21, 2011 6:30 PM EST up reply actions

I think you are basically hypothesizing, in that last sentence, if he would basically experience a “snowball” effect and just see his lack of confidence compound on the already poor success, which of course caused the lack of confidence. I would say that this is likely, but more specifically because failure is a stressor, and would likely (particularly in the case of a major league athlete) lead to that player trying to “act” towards resolving the failure. This acting would be the tinkering, adjustment making, etc. As you mentioned it has the potential to unravel and/or lead to breakdowns in different areas (I’m thinking mechanics in this case).

I’d have to hypothesize that the effect of this would be mitigated somewhat by the experience of the player at the major league level. Younger guys breaking down earlier scrambling to make changes to counter the failure, while older veterans being able to remain consistent longer with greater trust in their approach.

by hans on Dec 21, 2011 9:53 PM EST up reply actions