Moyer throws a knuckle-curve?

[Rufus67]

I had thought pro pitchers couldn't get away with this because batters could pick up the raised knuckle.

Knuckle Curve.jpg

[Chris O'Leary]

I had thought pro pitchers couldn't get away with this because batters could pick up the raised knuckle.

Lots of pro pitchers throw their curveball like this (aka spike curve).

[jdfromfla]

I call it the "Pedro" curve..coming from his arm angle it was wicked and very nasty:cap:
Spike curve is what most call it. It's a slower hook and can have a nice, smooth, "bump" action.

[Rufus67]

Hmm, learn something new every day (which is good). Never having been around when this one is taught, it's thrown like a fast ball and not a traditional curveball, correct?

[jdfromfla]

No, throw it like you would a hook....as I said Pedro had that low 3/4 aspect and his was filthy, throw it like a fb and...well first you'd have to control it..then I guess you'd get a modified ..likely nasty slide piece...but controlling it??? might get dicey...expect some seams to be applied to some batter skin lettin that puppy loose..at least while you are learning it

[mcloven]

Craig Kimbrel's slider is a variation of the spike curve:
kimbrelslidergrip.jpg

Except he throws it about 87 MPH... Might be the nastiest pitch in the majors (54% swing/miss rate).

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/craig-kimbrel-is-nasty/

http://tomahawktake.com/2012/02/21/craig-kimbrel-and-pitch-fx-part-i/

[Kaizen]

It is thrown the same as a regular curveball. The idea is to get the index finger out of the way so the ball only has to come up and over one finger at release instead of two. Some people can get tighter spin and more break using this grip.