by 
slurveman
ANSWERS: 2
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A "slurve" is a breaking ball that has the tendencies of a slider and a curve ball. It breaks both down and to the side. A true curve, like Mike Mussina's, will have a "12-6" break. Meaning that the ball, compared to a face on a clock, will start at 12 and go to the 6. A slider is a flat breaking ball, going side to side and at times may have a slight down ward angle. To throw a "slurve" it all depends on your arm angle and hand angle when releasing the ball. Sliders are thrown like a fastball with a twist of the hand before the ball is released. A curve ball the arm will be high and the hand will come over the top of the ball, instead of off to the side. So, if you use the happy medium between the two your arm will be higher than 3/4 and your release will be to the side. A lot of pitchers with 3/4 arm slot throw this pitch along with a slider, like Pedro Martinez.
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I've heard a slurve described as just a slider with heavier spin to it. One way to throw it is have your thumb on one side of the ball and your middle and index fingers together resting below a seam on the other side of the ball. Then when releasing the pitch you run the fingers (middle and index) down the side of the ball very quickly. And also very key is the wrist snap, from which much of the movement comes.
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