If the pitcher does not get the ball to the plate in 1.3 seconds or less, the catcher's chances of throwing out the runner are dramatically reduced. Pitchers can help their cause by holding the ball, looking at the runner or even throwing over to first in an effort to cut down the runner's lead. But the speed of the pitcher's delivery to the plate often dictates whether the runner will be out. With nobody on base, pitchers will deliver the ball to the plate in around 1.5 or 1.6 seconds. They figure if they can get the hitter out, they don't need to worry about the runner.
Some guys have trouble making a good pitch from a slide-step.
When a pitcher loads up and is 1.5 seconds to the plate, it puts a lot of pressure on the catcher. The Brewers have some of the slower pitchers in the National League and they have paid a heavy price. Hideo Nomo, who only slightly alters his tornado-like delivery with men on base, sometimes takes 1.8 seconds to get rid of the ball. Eric Plunk and Mike Myers have been timed at 1.7 seconds. Lefty Scott Karl has improved his times to the plate with a slide-step and is now one of the Brewers' faster pitchers.