Pitching Mechanics Redux: Joba Chamberlain

by Kyle Boddy on May 14, 2008 6:15 AM PDT in Pitching Mechanics Comment 3 comments

I said in a previous article that I don't like Joba's mechanics, but after reviewing them again, I'm not so sure. Readers and analysts alike have said that he doesn't form the Inverted W and/or Inverted L, and I think I'm inclined to agree after looking at it again. His level of horizontal shoulder abduction (scap loading) is so great that I think it confused me in my early analyses.

Regardless, he is late at footstrike and his followthrough is suspect. These two things still make me wonder about his long-term health.

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This site a lot of fun guys. Found it by accident today. I read the previous article about Joba and saw this one too. The first thing that crosses my mind with your analysis and the replies from your readers is this though: What is the debate about? I see a lot of talk about inverted L’s, W’s, M’s, concerns about his future health. He throws mid-upper 90’s, repeats his delivery and dominates major league hitters. What point are you guys trying to make with all this? His movements “mechanics” work for him.

by cholt007 on Jun 6, 2008 6:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think your question’s been answered right about now. The point wasn’t about whether his mechanics resulted in superior major-league pitches; that was pretty clear. It was about “his future health,” and turns out to have been a pretty good point after all.

by John Litt on Aug 7, 2008 7:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

@John Litt – I agree completely. I don’t post much about the performance side of the mechanics, because if pitchers make it to the MLB, it’s pretty apparent that they are good enough on that side. However, the mechanics required to throw the ball hard and with command are not the same ones needed to throw safely, as we have seen time and time again.

by Kyle on Aug 9, 2008 12:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs