Beyond Kershaw and Ohtani: Will Smith Unveils the Dodgers’ *Real* Pitching Nightmares – A Catcher’s Perspective on Unseen Velocity and Unpredictable Movement

Beyond Kershaw and Ohtani: Will Smith Unveils the Dodgers’ *Real* Pitching Nightmares – A Catcher’s Perspective on Unseen Velocity and Unpredictable Movement

 

 

**Los Angeles, CA –** Hall of Fame catcher Will Smith, a veteran of 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently sat down for an exclusive interview, revealing surprising insights into the most challenging pitchers he’s ever faced in his illustrious career. While names like Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw immediately spring to mind when discussing Dodger pitching dominance, Smith’s candid assessment paints a different picture, highlighting the often-unsung arms that presented the greatest challenges behind the plate. The revelation has sent ripples through baseball circles, prompting a renewed appreciation for the subtle complexities of catching and the often-overlooked contributions of seemingly less-heralded pitchers.

 

Smith, known for his exceptional game-calling ability and his rapport with pitchers, explained that his assessment wasn’t based solely on velocity or strikeout numbers. Instead, he focused on the multifaceted aspects of a pitcher’s arsenal that made them exceptionally difficult to work with, considering factors like pitch movement, control, and the overall difficulty in framing pitches for strikes.

 

“People automatically assume Kershaw or Ohtani are the toughest,” Smith began, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “And don’t get me wrong, those guys are incredible, absolute masters of their craft. But catching is about more than just power. It’s about predicting where a pitch is going, reading the hitter, and understanding the nuances of each individual pitch.”

 

He went on to name two pitchers who, despite often not grabbing the same headlines, consistently tested his skills and presented unique challenges: right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol and left-handed starter Julio Urías.

 

“Brusdar,” Smith explained, “possesses an absolutely electric fastball. We’re talking triple-digit heat. But it’s not just the velocity; it’s the movement. That ball explodes out of his hand, and even with the best preparation, sometimes you just get surprised. The late movement makes it unbelievably difficult to frame pitches, particularly low and away. You’re constantly battling to get those borderline pitches called strikes.”

 

Graterol’s unpredictable arsenal, combined with his intensity on the mound, requires exceptional concentration and anticipation from the catcher. Smith emphasized the need for near-perfect timing and positioning to handle Graterol’s arsenal effectively. A single miscalculation can result in a wild pitch, a passed ball, or a missed opportunity to secure a key strikeout.

 

“With Julio, it’s a different story,” Smith continued. “He’s a master of deception. His delivery is so fluid and seemingly effortless, it’s difficult to anticipate the location of his pitches. He commands a diverse repertoire, from his devastating curveball to his changeup that looks almost identical to his fastball. Catching Julio requires a keen understanding of his approach, and you have to be constantly communicating with him on the mound.”

 

Urías’ mastery of deception makes him a formidable opponent not just for batters but also for catchers. His subtle variations in arm slot and release point keep hitters guessing and make it challenging for Smith to anticipate the precise movement of each pitch.

 

Smith’s insights underscore the importance of the catcher-pitcher relationship in baseball. The synergy between these two players is vital for success, particularly when dealing with challenging pitchers who demand exceptional skills and understanding from their catchers.

 

“Catching is a symbiotic relationship,” Smith reflected. “It’s about trust, communication, and a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The best catching performances are not just about the physical aspects but also about the mental game, the constant dialogue, and the ability to anticipate the next pitch before it’s even thrown.”

 

The interview concluded with Smith emphasizing that while Ohtani and Kershaw are undoubtedly titans of the game, the true test of a catcher’s skill often lies in handling pitchers who present unique and unpredictable challenges, demanding a high level of precision, adaptability, and intuitive understanding of the game. His revelation serves as a reminder that behind every successful pitching performance, there is often a catcher who has silently overcome their own set of unique hurdles, contributing significantly but often unnoticed to the team’s overall success. For Will Smith, it wasn’t the glitz and glamour of the marquee names but the subtle mastery of pitchers like Graterol and Urías that truly defined his greatest challenges as a catcher.