World Series: Astros Framber Valdez Gets Over Failures in Game 2 Win

“Not many guys throw quality sinkers and curveballs as a part of an arsenal,” said Josh Miller, the Houston pitching coach. “If a guy’s got a sinker, it’s usually a slider to go with it. If the guy’s got a four-seamer, it’s usually a curveball. So it’s kind of a unique look. He’s differentiated himself from the rest of baseball, in my opinion.”

Valdez is the physical opposite of Verlander, the prototype of a tall, strapping power pitcher. At 5 foot 11, 239 pounds, Valdez is a keg with a smooth, powerful pour. His wrist action and hand strength help him manipulate pitches like few others.

“He’s got really sausage-like fingers and really strong wrists and hands,” Miller said, “and he can hold positions that most guys can’t.”

Valdez also changed gloves during Game 2, which is unusual, and has a habit of rubbing his pitching hand onto the palm of his other hand on the mound. Phillies Manager Rob Thomson said the team had noticed this, but stopped short of accusing Valdez of applying an illegal substance to the ball to enhance pitch movement.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/30/sports/baseball/framber-valdez-astros-world-series.html