The San Francisco Giants are turning heads this season with the impressive performances of right-handers Landen Roupp and Hayden Birdsong. Roupp, a starting pitcher, relies heavily on his high-spin curveball, while Birdsong, a reliever, has quickly gained attention for his unique kick-change. Both pitches are profiling as plus offerings, making them vital components of the Giants’ pitching strategy.
This article delves into the mechanics and stories behind Roupp’s curveball and Birdsong’s kick-change, exploring how these pitchers developed their signature pitches and how they plan to utilize them to achieve success in the major leagues. Get ready to discover the secrets behind these rising stars on the Giants’ roster.
Landen Roupp’s Dominant Curveball
Landen Roupp’s curveball has been a constant throughout his career. As Roupp explains, the key to his curveball’s effectiveness lies in a combination of increased strength, mobility, and a deeper understanding of pitching metrics. In college, data analysis was limited, but now he leverages metrics to optimize movement and spin rate.
During his April 2nd start against the Houston Astros, Roupp’s curveball averaged an impressive 3,056 rpm. He aims for 19 to 22 inches of horizontal movement and -11 inches of vertical movement when executing the pitch correctly. The 77.4 mph curveball’s effectiveness is enhanced by the velocity difference with his 93.4 mph two-seam fastball.
Despite its success, Roupp plans to decrease its usage this season to further develop his changeup and cutter. This strategic adjustment aims to make the curveball even more effective by keeping hitters guessing. As Roupp mentioned, “Coming up through the minor leagues, they were telling me I was throwing it too much. That was more about developing my other pitches, though.”
Hayden Birdsong’s Innovative Kick-Change
Hayden Birdsong has quickly made a name for himself with his high-velocity fastball and a newly developed kick-change. Birdsong describes his fastball as having “high-vert with pretty good velo,” while his curveball dives straight down, registering at negative-15 vert when executed effectively.
The kick-change has become a key weapon in Birdsong’s arsenal. He learned the grip from a Tread Athletics video and began experimenting with it during spring training. According to Birdsong, “My changeup had been horrible the year before. It was basically just a bad fastball, a 15-vert slower fastball. That’s all it was. I needed to find another grip.”
The results were immediate and dramatic. Birdsong’s kick-change now has close to zero vertical movement, a stark contrast to his previous attempts. The pitch tumbles effectively, confusing hitters. As Birdsong puts it, “All it is, really, is that you’re kicking the axis of the ball. Whatever you call it, it works for me.”
Early Season Impact and Future Outlook
Both Landen Roupp and Hayden Birdsong have demonstrated promise early in the 2025 season. Roupp’s eight strikeouts in his first start, seven of which came on his curveball, highlight the pitch’s potential. Birdsong has thrown four scoreless innings over two relief appearances, showcasing the effectiveness of his kick-change.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these pitchers continue to refine their signature pitches and adapt to the challenges of facing major league hitters. Their ability to evolve and maintain their effectiveness will be critical to their success and the Giants’ overall performance.
Detailed Pitch Metrics Analysis
A closer look at the pitch metrics of Roupp and Birdsong reveals valuable insights into their arsenals. Roupp’s curveball, with its high spin rate and significant horizontal movement, is designed to deceive hitters and generate swings and misses. His fastball complements the curveball, creating a challenging mix for opposing batters.
Birdsong’s kick-change is characterized by its minimal vertical movement and tumbling action, making it difficult for hitters to predict and square up. Paired with his high-velocity fastball, the kick-change adds a layer of deception that keeps hitters off balance.
These metrics provide a deeper understanding of how Roupp and Birdsong are using their pitches to gain an edge. Continuing to monitor and analyze these metrics will be crucial for optimizing their performance and maximizing their potential.
Coaching and Development Strategies
The development of Roupp’s and Birdsong’s pitches highlights the importance of coaching and player development. Roupp’s ability to refine his curveball through data analysis and physical conditioning demonstrates the value of modern training techniques. Birdsong’s self-taught kick-change showcases the potential for innovation and experimentation in pitch development.
Coaches play a crucial role in guiding pitchers, providing feedback, and helping them make adjustments to improve their performance. The Giants’ coaching staff has clearly played a pivotal role in helping Roupp and Birdsong hone their skills and develop into valuable contributors to the team.
Conclusion: The Future is Bright for Roupp and Birdsong
Landen Roupp and Hayden Birdsong represent a promising future for the San Francisco Giants’ pitching staff. With their unique and effective pitches, they have the potential to become key contributors to the team’s success. Roupp’s dominant curveball and Birdsong’s innovative kick-change are testaments to their hard work, dedication, and the Giants’ commitment to player development.
As they continue to refine their skills and adapt to the challenges of the major leagues, Roupp and Birdsong are poised to make a significant impact on the Giants and the world of baseball. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they continue to evolve and showcase their talents on the mound.
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