Medlen and Beachy to change mechanics

[AUTiger7222]

Medlen and Beachy focused on changing mechanics.

http://msn.foxsports.com/south/story...chanics-033014

[Dalyn]

This shows how desperate their situation is. I wish them the best. Two very fun pitchers to watch and root for.

[Knucksie]

The org needs to re-think its approach to development and handling of pitchers. Multiple TJ surgeries and changing delivery mechanics are band-up solutions, that does not get to the root cause. They need to use some more creative approaches, like when Smoltz used the sports psychologist. My suggestion to get them on yoga programs as part of their fitness and rehabilitation routines.

[zitothebrave]

But I thought they had great mechanics. I was certain Glavine was gonna teach Beachy's mechanics to his kid

I don't have much faith in Meds or Beachy being able to fix their problems. Ihope I'm wrong though. Medlen is a short guy, they don't last.

[AUTiger7222]

But I thought they had great mechanics. I was certain Glavine was gonna teach Beachy's mechanics to his kid

I don't have much faith in Meds or Beachy being able to fix their problems. Ihope I'm wrong though. Medlen is a short guy, they don't last.

Well Medlen is quoted as saying that his delivery used to be a lot shorter and tighter but then it got long and loose which lead to his arm problems.

[zitothebrave]

Well Medlen is quoted as saying that his delivery used to be a lot shorter and tighter but then it got long and loose which lead to his arm problems.

Maybe that's the case. But I doubt it. Short pitchers don't have long pitching careers as starters.

Even if you look historically, look at Smokey Joe Wood, Fernando Valenzuela, Pedro, and more.

Only short pitcher in baseball right now who hasn't had injury concerns as a starter over a healthy sample is Lincecum. And he doesn't have bad mechanics, he's just gonna wind up hurting later because of his mechanics being so athletic.

[ChadWC]

I'm not sure there's anything here to see. The arm isn't meant to throw overhand on a downhill plane as hard as possible. It just isn't. Some guys hold up, others don't.

[AUTiger7222]

Maybe that's the case. But I doubt it. Short pitchers don't have long pitching careers as starters.

Even if you look historically, look at Smokey Joe Wood, Fernando Valenzuela, Pedro, and more.

Only short pitcher in baseball right now who hasn't had injury concerns as a starter over a healthy sample is Lincecum. And he doesn't have bad mechanics, he's just gonna wind up hurting later because of his mechanics being so athletic.

I don't understand why being short hurts Medlen. What does being short have to do with his arm falling or not falling off? And just a slight correction on Fernando, he pitched in the majors from 1981-1996. I would consider that a pretty long career with those 8 or 9 years with the Dodgers where he pitched at a HOF type level.

[AUTiger7222]

I'm not sure there's anything here to see. The arm isn't meant to throw overhand on a downhill plane as hard as possible. It just isn't. Some guys hold up, others don't.

Yep.

[The Chosen One]

A short person cannot generate the velocity a taller person can because of physics. Unless variables were changed like the size of a baseball physics just isn't friendly to shorter guys.

Because of this, medlen at times has to over compensate.

[Runnin]

But I thought they had great mechanics. I was certain Glavine was gonna teach Beachy's mechanics to his kid

I don't have much faith in Meds or Beachy being able to fix their problems. I hope I'm wrong though. Medlen is a short guy, they don't last.

My first thought when I saw that was say goodbye to Meds and Beachy then. I have doubts that one can significantly change their mechanics this late and still throw major league level strikes.

[50PoundHead]

I don't understand why being short hurts Medlen. What does being short have to do with his arm falling or not falling off? And just a slight correction on Fernando, he pitched in the majors from 1981-1996. I would consider that a pretty long career with those 8 or 9 years with the Dodgers where he pitched at a HOF type level.

Lack of leverage caused by his height led to overthrowing which led to his arm problems. There's a reason a lot of scouts stay away from short RHPs. Durability has always seemed to be a much bigger issue with them than with other pitchers. And before anyone brings up Kimbrel, I think the body types between Kimbrel and Medlen are a lot different and Kimbrel keeps his motion very tight. That said, I think we have to watch it with Kimbrel as well.

And what about Valenzuela. I don't see either zito or I saying it's not impossible for short pitchers to be successful. I think we're saying they are the exception to the rule.

[zitothebrave]

I don't understand why being short hurts Medlen. What does being short have to do with his arm falling or not falling off? And just a slight correction on Fernando, he pitched in the majors from 1981-1996. I would consider that a pretty long career with those 8 or 9 years with the Dodgers where he pitched at a HOF type level.

Valenzuela I brought up because he pretty much fell off fast after his peak because he couldn't stick aruond. Saying he played that long is pretty much a lie.

From 88-97 he pitched 1124.1 innings. From 91-97 581.1.

Valenzuela had a hot start then couldn't hold up.

I included him because I think he's the path Lince winds up taking.

And as has been stated, it primarily has a leverage issue. When you're tall you put less effort in because gravity allows you to fall to the plate. When you're shorter one of 2 things likely happens to mimmick that. You are either jumping to not rush your arm but that causes you to lose power from your arm resulting in slower pitching, or more strain, or you have to accelerate your arm to catch up with your body.

Bad mechanics are bad mechanics which lead to timing issues and other problems.

For Kimbrel, which I've seen brought up more than once. Relievers seem to be able to hide their deficiencies with mechanics.

[AUTiger7222]

Ok. Thanks guys.

[JohnAdcox]

Well said. Agreed 100%.

I meant with Dalyn's post, above: "I wish them the best. Two very fun pitchers to watch and root for." But I forgot to quote.

[JCarbo76]

Lack of leverage caused by his height led to overthrowing which led to his arm problems. There's a reason a lot of scouts stay away from short RHPs. Durability has always seemed to be a much bigger issue with them than with other pitchers. And before anyone brings up Kimbrel, I think the body types between Kimbrel and Medlen are a lot different and Kimbrel keeps his motion very tight. That said, I think we have to watch it with Kimbrel as well.

And what about Valenzuela. I don't see either zito or I saying it's not impossible for short pitchers to be successful. I think we're saying they are the exception to the rule.

Maddux? Ford? Durable short pitchers are the exception. Durable tall pitchers are the exception, too.

[JCarbo76]

Lack of leverage caused by his height led to overthrowing which led to his arm problems. There's a reason a lot of scouts stay away from short RHPs. Durability has always seemed to be a much bigger issue with them than with other pitchers. And before anyone brings up Kimbrel, I think the body types between Kimbrel and Medlen are a lot different and Kimbrel keeps his motion very tight. That said, I think we have to watch it with Kimbrel as well.

And what about Valenzuela. I don't see either zito or I saying it's not impossible for short pitchers to be successful. I think we're saying they are the exception to the rule.

Maddux? Glavine? Ford? Durable short pitchers are the exception. Durable tall pitchers are the exception, too.