11-12 Offseason

Do MLB Coaches Fix Pitching Mechanics?

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Sorting through the MetsToday mail bag, I pull out this question from a visitor who refers to himself/herself as “Brain Sliver” :

I have been reading your blog for a few years and have been impressed with your analysis of pitching mechanics. My question is this: how well known is this in professional circles and how often can they fix it? I know that having something pointed out to you doesn’t mean you can just fix it, at least it never worked for me. But I am not even close to the level of athlete in major and minor ball. So, is the problem that coaches don’t know, that players won’t listen, that it is not easy to fix, or some other combination?

Great question, and the answer is

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Mets vs. Cardinals Notes

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Mike Pelfrey‘s velocity was up — his fastball was hanging around 92-93 MPH, touched 94 — but his command was poor. How can a pitcher have poor command and yet not walk anyone? Because command means putting the ball where you want it, and even though Pelfrey threw plenty of strikes, I don’t believe he … Read more

What’s Wrong with Mike Pelfrey?

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Yesterday, Mike Pelfrey faced 20 batters; 12 reached base. He allowed 8 hits, 4 walks, and 8 runs, including a three-run homer to Carlos Lee. On the bright side, he struck out 4 in his 2 2/3 innings of “work.”

According to Big Pelf and his manager Terry Collins, the goal was to “throw harder” in this contest, after reaching only 87 MPH in his previous outing. Per both Collins and Pelfrey, the goal was met. Unfortunately, the “execution was lousy,” according to Pelfrey.

So, what the heck is wrong with Big Pelf this spring?

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Notes: Mets vs. Braves

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Jonathon Niese had good results, though I didn’t love the process. He continues to use a side-to-side motion that results in pitches that have little sinking action — his fastball and cutter remain on one plane. On his curve, he pulls himself a little more upright — closer to where he should be — but … Read more