In Season 2, Episode 6 of The Fix, Joe Janish and Angel Borrelli discuss in detail Justin Verlander‘s triceps cramp, why it happened, his risk of continuing to pitch with it, how the issue can be fixed, and what pitchers should do if they suffer similar symptoms. In doing so, Angel explains the scientific process of diagnosing and fixing pitching mechanics from the perspective of a kinesiologist. Also, Angel uses Masahiro Tanaka‘s minor UCL tear as an example of what can happen when pitchers pitch through major injuries.
Additionally, Angel answers a question from a listener regarding whether weighted balls and weighted ball programs are worthwhile for improving pitching performance.
Finally, listeners are treated to a free tip to increase a baseball pitcher’s velocity, and it has to do with maximum external rotation.
Above is the photo that Angel refers to in the podcast during her velocity tip.
The New York Mets announced that Zack Wheeler underwent successful Tommy John surgery to repair his UCL and a torn flexor tendon. That’s good news. However, Wheeler could have avoided the surgery. How? Listen to Season 2, Episode 5 of The Fix.
Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver won 311 games and struck out over 3600 batters in his 20-year MLB career, relying on guts, guile, and pinpoint command of four pitches — including a mid-90s fastball. Could “Tom Terrific” have been even better? Hard to fathom, but baseball pitching motion expert Angel Borrelli points out a flaw in Seaver’s classic “drop and drive” delivery that robbed him of MPH. What was that flaw? Listen to Season 2, Episode 4 of The Fix to find out.
Baseball pitching motion expert Angel Borrelli and Joe Janish discuss the rash of pitching injuries suffered in the first week of 2015 spring training games. Is long toss a good idea when a pitcher has a sore arm and/or a possible arm injury? Should he “throw through” soreness? A particular focus on Gavin Floyd‘s chronic and recurring elbow injuries, as well as the contrast between how Yu Darvish and Mark Appel reacted to warning signs experienced during their pregame warmups. Other pitchers discussed include Cliff Lee, Brandon Cumpton, Tim Collins, Adam Wainwright, and Vincent Velasquez. Finally, Angel shares a secret to pitching velocity.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Homer Bailey has had multiple arm issues throughout his big-league career, and many of them can be traced to mechanical flaws in his pitching delivery.
Angel Borrelli and Joe Janish start off season two of The Fix discussing pitching mechanics and injury prevention. The beginning of spring training / spring practice through the beginning of the season is the time when most pitching injuries occur — why? Here’s a hint: you can’t blame it directly on cold weather. Also, what is the single most important factor to consider in keeping pitchers healthy this year — for pitchers at all levels from little league through the big leagues? (Another hint: it has nothing to do with pitch counts nor innings limits.) What should you be looking for, and asking your pitchers, when spring practice begins. Finally, Angel provides a secret to pitching velocity that pitchers can begin working on today.
