Part 5/8:
In today's game, the screwball faces stiff competition from more dominant pitches like the slider, cutter, and traditional curveball. The screwball's unique breaking action, which does not have the aggressive motion associated with these more popular pitches, makes it less effective in the present-day context where hitters are better prepared and informed.
The prevalence of detailed scouting reports and the vast access to video analysis have made hitters more knowledgeable than ever about pitchers' repertoires. A pitch that lacks a sharp break, like the screwball, is often easier for hitters to anticipate and adjust to. This makes the screwball less of a reliable option to include as a staple pitch for many modern pitchers.