Opinions, Feedback, 4 or 5 man Pitching Rotation

Dear Splinter,

Good luck to you & your coaching and parenting your children. Please enjoy, and to the fullest, those times spent together, in and around the baseball fields. I have frequently reminded myself to give thanks for this blessed event.

Other points of views for your consideration.

1. Most (if not all) pro Pitchers spend most of their primary "Pitching Practice" time throwing off the Mound.
A number of big league pitching coaches are not advocates of their pitching staff getting their side day work in 'Throwing Flat' (e.g Texas Rangers)

Thus, I disagree with your statement
"Many major league pitchers do the majority of their work "flat"."

You may want to rethink your position
on this.

2. Stresses on Pitchers arm's are
primarily due to the weight of the
object being thrown. Other factors include, overuse, conditioning (or lack there of), mechanics, & lack of understanding toward proper recovery times.

Thus, I disagree with your statement
"When they get older, say high school, that discomfort comes with the territory because of the dynamic stresses that are put on the arm due to velocity."

Please rethink your position on this.

3. Two schools of thoughts for you about treatment for arm discomfort regarding HS pitchers.

Old School #1. Use Ice when necessary.
New School #2. Use Ice all the time.

Thus, I vehemently disagree with your statement: "That discomfort is treated with ice and heat, any pitcher knows the routine."

Please rethink your position on this immediately, and the perception created by it.

4. I believe that pro pitchers have (or should have) information and an understanding of those in season arm maintenance activities necessary to support the head coaches starting pitching rotation plan.

For many clubs, pro pitching rotation plans are starter & scheduled driven and will resemble a typical 35 starts per season. Thus parent organizations, pitchers and head coaches typically use
a four man starting pitchers rotation at the begining of the year, with an additional 5th starter (beginning in May) for a 5 man rotation.

Thus, I understand your plan, & it has merit that it exists, however you will see that I disagree timing of your activities, not the activities.

Here's some other ideas for your consideration when examining Pitcher's activities with either a four or 5 Man starting pitching rotation.
-
Five Day Plan, Four Man Rotation
(Ball Games on Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri)

S1 Sunday:
. Start Game Day, 90 pitches

S1 Sunday Night:
. Heavy Iron/ Bike Work Out
. To Muscle Fatigue

S1 Monday: Day 1:
. "Poles"

S1 Tuesday: Day 2:
. Light Throwing,
. "Poles"

S1 Wednesday: Day 3:
. Throw "Game Ready"
. Work Mechanics
. "Poles"

S1 Thursday:
Day 4:
. No Game (Travel Day)
. Review Hitting Charts

S1 Friday: Game Day
(Four Man Rotation)
--
Five Day Plan, Five Man Rotation
Games on Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur & Fri

S1 Sunday: Game Day, 115 pitches

S1 Sunday Night:
. Heavy Iron / Bike Work Out
. To Muscle Fatigue

S1 Monday: Day 1:
. "Poles"

S1 Tuesday: Day 2:
. Light Throwing,
. "Poles"

S1 Wednesday: Day 3:
. Throw "Game Ready"
. Work Mechanics
. "Poles"

S1 Thursday: Day 4:
. Dugout
. Review Hitting Charts

S1 Friday:
. Game Day:

Yes, 'adjustments' are necessary given changes to the Organization, schedule,
and level of play, however let the mind set be established.

cheers
TJ Bear