PORT STREET LUCIE — Adam Ottavino spent the offseason researching doubles prevention.
In this case, that meant working on a better pickoff move to first base to prevent opponents from getting singles or doubles on balls.
Last season, Mets relief pitchers had a hard time keeping runners down after MLB implemented a pitch clock.
Ottavino can no longer hold onto the ball or step off the rubber repeatedly to throw off runners’ timing.
The veteran right-hander found himself moving his hands before the rest of his body, spending tenths of a second on pickoff throws.
He has also begun to utilize a pickoff movement that resembles his delivery in terms of moving parts.
Ottavino demonstrated his new pickoff move Wednesday by throwing to first base three times during live batting practice at Clover Park.
“He used to kick his back legs pretty far,” Ottavino said. “We weren’t making tight enough turns, so we just widened it a little bit, but it’s going to take a little bit more time. So we’re just trying to turn it into a really tight circle.”
Ottavino doesn’t have data on his pickoff throws from last season, but estimates he averaged 1.3 or 1.4 seconds.
He said the goal is an average of about 1.0 seconds.
“Once I figured that out, I was able to shoot for something,” Ottavino said. “So I was timing my pickoffs all offseason, even if it wasn’t as realistic as it is today. But I still have someone in the gym throwing it to me, timing me, and videoing the mechanics. , making sure I’m doing the best I can with the right technique.”
Ottavino said he studied Zack Greinke, Johnny Cueto, Taijuan Walker and Charlie Morton among pitchers who were successful in limiting base running.
“The odds are pretty good that everyone is safe right now. It’s not like when they’re throwing, they’re throwing at ridiculous speeds,” Ottavino said. “People just aren’t trying. [to steal]. My goal is to limit attempts, and the only way to achieve that is to threaten to be fooled.
“I don’t think rushing to the plate will hold them back because the odds are still in their favor and they’ll be able to pick the right time to go.”
“But if they’re worried about getting picked, it puts a little bit of doubt in their minds that they’re not going to be able to get this big of a lead and tilt that much momentum.” I think I might let you hold me.”
