The slide step

The slide step is something the pitcher can do to slow the running game. The concept behind the slide step is the pitcher simply delivers the ball quicker to the catcher. If the catcher had the ball sooner,he would have a better chance of throwing the runner out if that runner would decide to run. So, is it something that every pitcher should use?

Not necessarily. Let's consider some things.

The slide step can definitely remove some of a pitchers effectiveness. Being quicker to the plate can have an effect on a pitchers movement as the arm doesn't have the same time to get on top of the ball. In fact, many sinker ball pitchers suffer when they try and be quicker to the plate. You don't want to compromise one's stuff just to get the ball to the catcher quicker.

Something else to consider. When you have a catcher that has a strong arm you actually want teams to try and run. If that is the case, you don't want to discourage teams from running but rather you want to encourage them. So, it's nice to show a normal time to the plate early in at bat, only to quicken the tempo in running counts. This gives the offense the illusion that the pitcher will be slow to the plate and then slide steps at a very prudent time.

Slide stepping all the time seems rational enough but it isn't always the best manner to conduct business. You need to take into consideration who is on the mound and who is behind the plate.