I am going to play hitting coach today.
I reviewed a little how Max Fried attacked us. He threw more curves, more sliders, and significantly fewer fastballs than usual. I don't know if that was his gameplan or he made the adjustment. Most of the early hits and hard contact were on fastballs. Most of the Ks were on breaking stuff. We only had 1 whiff on a four seamer & sinker (34% of the pitches seen) yet 13 on his slider and curve (61% of the pitches seen).
If you look at what he threw, he wastes a decent # of pitches.
I'd sit fastball first pitch and jump all over it until he shows he can throw the breaking stuff for a strike constantly.
He absolutely loves the lower left edge. Lefties should look to go oppo. Both Alvarez and Tucker have shown the ability and willingness to do so this postseason. The heater, slider, and curve are all usually lower away (to lefties) and low and in (to righties). The sinker is the only pitch he consistently gets on the other side of the plate.