Early 19th century French diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord argued — according to late Romanian aphorist Emil Cioran, at least — argued that it’s preferable “to follow one’s inclination rather than to make one’s way.”

Having pointed his internet browser to this site, the reader has already exhibited a willingness — in part, at least — a willingness to follow his inclination. What follows, however, represents an opportunity for that same reader to indulge his inclination to an even larger and more substantial degree.

As of press time, talented Cleveland starter Carlos Carrasco had struck out talented Kansas City outfielder Alex Gordon in each of the latter’s four plate appearances tonight (box). What the footage below documents are two pitches from the second of those plate appearances — both swinging strikes and both a result of Carrasco’s changeup.

The reader will find that his or her inclination is to meditate upon these animated GIFs for an extended period of time, committing them to what may or may not be called “spiritual memory.” Is that a real term or one just invented by the author right now? It neither matters nor does anyone care.

Moving on, here’s the first of those changeups to Gordon, in real time:

And also in less real time:

And here’s the second changeup, for the strikeout:

Followed by that same pitch, except in slow motion again: