I apologize for starting a thread for such a narrow topic, but am I missing something here? I was browsing through MLB Leader Boards, and noticed that Diamond's curve ball is the only one in the league with a 'positive' vertical movement. That is, it resists gravity, necessarily indicating that it has backspin. Regardless of whether or not PITCHf/x is categorizing his pitches correctly, his pitches do not include a breaking-ball. He is throwing this 'curve' 25% of the time, and it has worsened in each of the past three years. Thoughts? Correct me if I'm wrong...

Yeah his curveball is awful.

 

He got by last year on impeccable fastball and changeup command. Like Pavano in 2010. But when you lack a real third offering, you cannot afford to lose even a hair of command or you'll get what we're getting now. I don't even see a bullpen role for him atm, his stuff is just too poundable.

Parker had some stats on the efficacy of Diamond's curve this year and they were brutal. The deterioration of that pitch, which has been a go-to for him in the past, has been one of the biggest contributors to his downfall.