Driveline Mechanics: FanShots

Prospect Changes Mechanics

2010-03-12T17:47:22Z

Prospect Changes Mechanics

A interview with Orioles prospect Cameron Coffey about how he has changed his mechanics to avoid future injury. From what I can parse while being exhausted it looks like all or most of his mechanics changes have been those that Driveline Mechanics advocates. Hopefully Coffey can maintain his new mechanics and I hope to see this backed up by video at some point

Mechanics: Effects of Loading Rate

2010-03-08T06:39:03Z

Mechanics: Effects of Loading Rate

On my training blog, I talk a bit about "loading rate" on the pitching arm and how it relates to injuries.

Alan Jaeger was hired by the Rangers last year to put together a program for Nolan Ryan's...

2010-02-21T18:28:26Z

Alan Jaeger was hired by the Rangers last year to put together a program for Nolan Ryan's toughening the arms system. The effects seemed to be great as 7 other MLB teams have employed Jaeger to do the same thing.

What are the consensus thoughts on the traditional 120' LT limit compared to what the Rangers and other teams have done? What are the thoughts on Jaeger's LT program?

Christian Freidrich, Rockies prospect taken from BP's front page, eek.

2010-01-31T09:15:33Z

Christian Freidrich, Rockies prospect taken from BP's front page, eek.

Florida games the system. They fleece other teams of their best prospects, develop and use them...

2010-01-13T20:43:56Z

Florida games the system. They fleece other teams of their best prospects, develop and use them while their cost is low and trade the subsequent stars for more prospects. They field generally competitive teams on a low budget. Maybe twice a decade they supplement with some veterans and make a World Series run. They should be the example for small market franchises.

The Big Lead, believe it or not

In a great article in Hardball Times annual, Greg looks at the batted balls at the new Yankee...

2010-01-06T02:25:24Z

In a great article in Hardball Times annual, Greg looks at the batted balls at the new Yankee Stadium and Citi. The interesting finding is that while Yankee Stadium turns long flyballs into HR, it also turns almost-long flyballs into outs. Citi field however turns almost-long flyballs into hits. So, this would be an example of where the HR park factor and the Runs park factor on non-HR are not directly related (either unrelated, or inversely-related).

Tango on Greg Rybarczyk from Hit Tracker On-Line's Article in the 2010 Hardball Times Annual (which I still need to buy)

Let’s face it. Cub fans know the guy is a problem. Not everyday, of course. When things are going w...

2009-12-21T04:48:30Z

Let’s face it. Cub fans know the guy is a problem. Not everyday, of course. When things are going well, all is good with the world. But when things don’t go his way, his behavior is just unacceptable. Do we really need the tantrums? The way he looks like he’s going to clock an ump? Ripping people in his own clubhouse? Ripping up the clubhouse itself? Ripping his own management? Always finding someone else to blame? And maybe most unforgivably of all, the crazed antics on the field–all that’s a disrespect to the game itself. But you know what? Cub fans love it. Because this guy is Lou Piniella.

One of the best comments I've ever read at FanGraphs.

Baseball Nation Sim League has one opening

2009-11-22T21:40:02Z

Baseball Nation Sim League has one opening

I looked around a little but couldn't find whether this was frowned upon or not. I know in some communities it is so thought I'd post it out of the way but still hope some people see it.

The BNSL is entering its 3rd year and has one opening that needs to be filled immediately. Dues are $8 and are only used to cover hosting fees with all other costs covered by the Executive Committee (EC).

The team we need to have filled is the Dodgers. Just two seasons ago, the Dodgers won 95 games so definitely has some talent. A few of the players from the active roster are Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton, Russell Martin, Mark Teixeira, and Matt Kemp. On the prospect side, you would inherit Carlos Carrasco, Casey Kelly, Michael Montgomery, Aaron Hicks, and Ryan Westmoreland to name just a few. So, as you can see, there is plenty of talent at both levels for the new GM to take the team in either direction with $20+ million to spend on FA.

Just a few quick details about the league:

- 30 GMs (one per MLB team)
- A $150 million cap
- Revenue Sharing (20%)
- 25 and 40 man rosters (75 total players)
- Player options, long-term contracts, arbitration, and free agency (a 3 tier process with comp picks and home town discount)
- An amateur draft held in June (currently 7 rounds) and a Rule V draft in the winter (2 weeks from now)
- An all-star game in the middle of the season and awards at the end of the year

If you are interested, please e-mail me at bnsimleagueATgmailDOTcom or my personal e-mail located in my profile so we can discuss the league and team. We are looking for GMs with a good deal of experience with fantasy based games and knowledge of both the MLB and MiLB levels. It really is a fun experience if you haven't tried a sim league before. With 40-man rosters, player options, Rule V draft, etc, It is a good deal different than fantasy baseball and does take some adjusting to but most people I've talked with that have done both find it a more challenging and enjoyable experience.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

CHONE's 2010 hitter projections are here!

2009-11-15T23:07:14Z

CHONE's 2010 hitter projections are here!

It's a wonderful time to be baseball nerd.

Training-Related Nonsense

2009-11-15T02:16:11Z

Training-Related Nonsense

My friend Cameron who runs SFB Fitness made an excellent post about "Nonsense" when it comes to personal training and supplements. Definitely worth a read.

Driveline Baseball - My Coaching/Training Site

2009-11-02T21:53:19Z

Driveline Baseball - My Coaching/Training Site

I've finally launched my training/coaching site, available at drivelinebaseball.com. All the static content is finally included along with a copied article from this site (the supplements post).

On the "About" page, you can see a sample high-speed video clip that I used in a training session with one of my pitchers.

Comments and suggestions are welcome. Thanks for checking it out!

Ron Wolford's The Athletic Pitcher

2009-11-02T18:08:04Z

Ron Wolford's The Athletic Pitcher

What are the opinion's on this guy and his program? I've read some of his stuff on the Athletic Pitcher from a friend who has used the program. It's worked for them. Good? Bad?

All in all, Sabathia’s motion is not only efficient, but well-adapted, using his long arms, a...

2009-11-02T14:38:53Z

All in all, Sabathia’s motion is not only efficient, but well-adapted, using his long arms, athletic ability, powerful legs, and yes, his weight. It’s all repeatable, smooth, and if you ask any Phillie, Angel, or Twin, pretty darned effective.

by Will Carroll at BP

Reactionary idiot writes something reactionary.

2009-10-29T17:34:25Z

Reactionary idiot writes something reactionary.

I expect DF to prepare a full breakdown.

Watching Kapler is entirely captivating yet, at times, maddening. He plays the outfield and runs...

2009-10-28T14:30:06Z

Watching Kapler is entirely captivating yet, at times, maddening. He plays the outfield and runs the bases like a spider on LSD – which is to say he appears to have eight legs and lacks basic control of each.

R.J. Anderson. WS-related "LLO" post coming very soon. I promise.

"A-Rod is definitely a true Yankee now," said Greg Camello, 26, of Queens. "When he’s in a clutch s...

2009-10-26T16:53:15Z

"A-Rod is definitely a true Yankee now," said Greg Camello, 26, of Queens. "When he’s in a clutch situation now, he feels confident and raises his game to the next level. I think Derek Jeter is starting to rub off on him. Or maybe Kate Hudson. It definitely has nothing to do with the fact that he is a very good hitter in the midst of a very short stretch in which he happens to be batting well. He’s just different now."

The Brushback is awesome. Read the whole thing.

"People think about all the bad stuff, and then you look at what he does, and everyone now loves...

2009-10-17T19:29:59Z

"People think about all the bad stuff, and then you look at what he does, and everyone now loves the guy," said outfielder Nick Swisher. "I mean, pick a side, people. He can hit any pitch, any place. This guy is ridiculous. Ridiculous. He puts up ridiculous numbers, PlayStation numbers, and he's playing on a hip and a half."

Former Chicago White Sox clubhouse cancer Nick Swisher, on A-Rod

For now on, everyone needs to hang a picture of Theo in your mother's basement

2009-10-03T23:49:27Z

For now on, everyone needs to hang a picture of Theo in your mother's basement

HS Player Leaves Early Due to Weightlifting Program

2009-09-18T19:41:21Z

HS Player Leaves Early Due to Weightlifting Program

From the article:

"I don't have a problem with weightlifting," Watkins went on, "it's lifting heavy weights over their heads that I have a problem with."

Sound familiar to you? Hmmm....

"Basically, the overhead press (like most overhead lifts) are contraindicated in the overhand throwing motion. This means that any lift where the elbows go above parallel with the shoulder blades should be avoided and something should be substituted for them. The Pendlay Row is a perfect exercise to build scapular strength for throwers of all kinds, so it's a natural substitution!"

I would like to stress that I think the Press is a fine exercise during the offseason for baseball pitchers. but should absolutely be avoided in-season for the reasons I've already pointed out.

(Thanks to Chip R. for sending this article in to me.)

You Should Take Tomorrow Off And Read Us (Deadspin) All Day

2009-09-16T05:25:19Z

You Should Take Tomorrow Off And Read Us (Deadspin) All Day

"Because we are. Yes, dear angry readers, tomorrow is the day you've all been waiting for: Fire Joe Morgan, in all of its food metaphorical glory, reunites and takes over Deadspin for the day.

Yes, Ken Tremendous, Dak and Junior gloriously return after, like, 10 months."

Must. Read.