Spring training has come and gone, with the real games already underway. There has already been a load of impressive pitches to start the regular season, but spring training had quite a few worth noting.
Before we start any tournaments involving the 2019 regular season, let’s decide which was the best pitching GIF from spring training. Four pitches remain, though only three pitchers are left. (If that’s too confusing, just scroll down and vote, you’ll get it.)
While none of these games mattered, winning this tournament is another story entirely.
Here are the rules:
- All GIFs were pulled from 2019 spring training.
- You can only vote on a matchup once, so make sure you pick the one you absolutely want.
- Voting will continue until 12:00 a.m. EDT the following morning. This is the semi-final round.
Here are the results from for Round 1:
American Bracket
1. Yusei Kikuchi’s Curveball def. 8. Dakota Hudson’s Slider
2. Adam Ottavino’s Slider def. 7. Kyle Wright’s Slider
3. Chris Paddack’s Curveball def. 6. Nathan Eovaldi’s Fastball
5. Aaron Nola’s Changeup def. 4. Jack Flaherty’s Changeup
National Bracket
1. Jordan Hicks‘ Fastball def. 8. Trevor Bauer’s Changeup
2. Adam Ottavino’s Fastball def. 7. Andrew Miller’s Slider
3. Jordan Hicks‘ Slider def. 6. Justus Sheffield’s Changeup
4. Matt Boyd’s Slider def. 5. Alex Reyes‘ Curveball
Here are the results from for Round 2:
American Bracket
1. Yusei Kikuchi’s Curveball def. 5. Aaron Nola’s Changeup
2. Adam Ottavino’s Slider def. 3. Chris Paddack’s Curveball
National Bracket
1. Jordan Hicks‘ Fastball def. 4. Matt Boyd’s Slider
2. Adam Ottavino’s Fastball def. 3. Jordan Hicks‘ Slider
Here are the matchups for the Semi-Finals:
American Bracket
1. Yusei Kikuchi’s Curveball vs. 2. Adam Ottavino’s Slider
National Bracket
1. Jordan Hicks‘ Fastball vs. 2. Adam Ottavino’s Fastball
Watch the GIFs in the Links Below!
Yusei Kikuchi’s Curveball vs. Adam Ottavino’s Slider
Yusei Kikuchi has made it through the first two rounds of this tournament by the skin of his teeth, even though Joey Votto looks more foolish than any other hitter featured in the tournament — which should count for something, right? Unfortunately for the rookie, he goes up against Pitcher List icon Adam Ottavino. Not only that, it’s Ottavino’s slider, his best pitch. Plus, this is the chance for true Ottavino fans to band together and get an all-Ottavino Finals! (Speaking of which, whoever constructed this bracket probably should have considered that to be a possibility when setting the seeds.)
https://gfycat.com/BrownWideeyedFairybluebird
VS.
https://gfycat.com/BruisedMediocreCygnet
Which was the better pitch? Vote to decide which pitch advances to the next round!
[polldaddy poll=10285342]
Jordan Hicks‘ Fastball vs. Adam Ottavino’s Fastball
(Yet another battle of two baffled Philadelphia Phillies hitters in the National Bracket. Trust me, Philly fans will have their day in one of these tournaments.)
Wait. Didn’t we do this already? No, no it was Jordan Hicks‘ slider that Adam Ottavino pulverized with his fastball. Hicks’ fastball, on the other hand, might not be so easy for Ottavino. The Yankees reliever has the edge when it comes to movement. And he did draw a pathetic swing-and-miss. But Hicks’ fastball clocks in nine miles per hour harder than Ottavino’s. And Ottavino threw this one at 94! Plus, Hicks gets some serious movement despite throwing this glove-side — which isn’t easy. I’ve made the case for both, now you decide! Do you want Ottavino vs. Ottavino in the finals or the third Hicks vs. Ottavino of the week?
https://gfycat.com/flawedimpartialgoosefish-pitcher-list
VS.
https://gfycat.com/tautgranularkingsnake-baseball
Which was the better pitch? Vote to decide which pitch advances to the next round!
[polldaddy poll=10285343]