Nola averages 92-93, that's about the minimum for a top pitcher these days with bat speed much higher than 1980. But that's enough with 2 plus secondary pitches, especially the changeup.
The changeup is the key pitch b/c batters can't pick up the spin so they hesitate, and that in turn makes them hesitate on FBs. Only a few pitchers have good enough slow curves to be out pitches, a sharp slider is more common (or a good cutter, as Anderson is discovering). The other thing Nola has is a 2 seamer with great movement, which really sets up the 4 seamer.
Problem with most young pitchers is they fall in love with the FB, only to find out that ML hitters can handle 95-97 MPH FBs in the sweet zone, and most are disciplined enough to lay off those outside the K-zone. So unless you can locate that 95 MPH FB, or it has great movement (Velasquez), you're in trouble without at least two average secondary pitches you can command.
90-91 seems to be the minimum velocity for a SP, and really 91+ for all but a few freaks like Keuchel. Without at least respectable velocity, hitters today have time to adjust to offspeed stuff. So you need enough velocity on a 4 seamer to keep hitters from leaning over the plate for a changeup or slider.
It's the "Red Queen" effect, as velocity has increased, hitters were selected to have faster bat speed, and those that have bat speed and keep their hands back can adjust in a count. However, as FB speed increases, the speed gap for good pitchers between their FB and offspeed pitches can be larger, and faster offspeed pitches, combined with a larger speed gap forces batters to make quicker decisions (think SD with a wicked 89-90 MPH slider).
