Taking BP to a new level

[BuzzBuzzard]

The following link is a piece Neyer did about a new type of pitching machine. The technology seems way ahead of the curve (sorry), but the piece fails to mention where this could be heading.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/columns/neyer_rob/42798.html (http://)

After reading the article, imagine taking this machine and having the program simulate each individual big league pitcher. Players could take pitcher specific batting pratice. What an advantage that would be. No more watching film, but you could actually hit against the pitcher in the hours before the game. Wow.
:jaw:

[NetShrine]

Try this link instead:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/columns/neyer_rob/42798.html

[NetShrine]

Two issues with this one -

1. As Neyer noted, teams will not spend a quarter-mill on a pitching machine.

2. To my knowledge, BP isn't about trying to replicate facing Pedro - - more so, it's about getting loose and building confidence.

If a machine can duplicate the effect of Randy Johnson, how much confidence are you going to build facing that in BP?

How do you feel today Tino? Great, faced the Unit on Abner and in my 20 swings I was able to foul off 10 and got one to the OF grass. Bring 'em on!

[BuzzBuzzard]

Originally posted by NetShrine
Two issues with this one -

1. As Neyer noted, teams will not spend a quarter-mill on a pitching machine.

2. To my knowledge, BP isn't about trying to replicate facing Pedro - - more so, it's about getting loose and building confidence.

If a machine can duplicate the effect of Randy Johnson, how much confidence are you going to build facing that in BP?

How do you feel today Tino? Great, faced the Unit on Abner and in my 20 swings I was able to foul off 10 and got one to the OF grass. Bring 'em on! As to point #2, isn't that the point? Think about what it could be. Embrace change, my friend.

As to the moc-Tino dialogue, it could be worse. How do you feel Mike? No response. He's unconscious from another Clemens beaning.

[Jen]

So Buzz, are you saying that this new machine would teach Piazza how to quit crowding the plate or even, say, move out of the way when he sees one coming at him? :tongue2: ;)

I think this machine sounds awesome.

[95mph]

I think it's a great idea. That kind of money is nothing compared to the money the teams invest in players. Why not invest in some guarrantee hits? Glad I'm not a pitcher though.

[BuzzBuzzard]

Originally posted by Jen
So Buzz, are you saying that this new machine would teach Piazza how to quit crowding the plate or even, say, move out of the way when he sees one coming at him? :tongue2: ;)

I left the nitro at home today Jen. :)

[Jen]

Ok, I'll refrain for the rest of today...that one was just wide open and begging for me, though. Heehee! :tongue2:

[ChrisCary]

Originally posted by BuzzBuzzard
:beer:

[ChrisCary]

I agree that it's not beneficial to have players batting against the likes of Pedro and Randy johnson for simple BP, but the machine could be useful for players that have troubles against a particular pitcher or type of pitcher as extra, specialized BP.

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by 95mph
I think it's a great idea. That kind of money is nothing compared to the money the teams invest in players. Why not invest in some guarrantee hits? Glad I'm not a pitcher though.

Diverting a bit - - this is always an idea I had - - if you spend $10 million a year on a player, what's an extra forty grand? Why? Here's an idea.

You have Tom Glavine at ten mill. Hire a coach, perhaps a guy who couldn't cut it in A-ball or a utility player that just retired, just for Glavine - - since he'll be specializing in Glavine, studying tapes, etc.

Wouldn't it be better for a player to have a personal coach as opposed to sharing one with the rest of team?

Seems that it would be good for your large investments, no?

[BuzzBuzzard]

Why would you think the guy who couldn't make it in the minors would be able to analyze tape and help out your $10M investment? And where would you draw the line on the use of them (i.e. whose entitled to have one and who isn't)?

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by BuzzBuzzard
Why would you think the guy who couldn't make it in the minors would be able to analyze tape and help out your $10M investment? And where would you draw the line on the use of them (i.e. whose entitled to have one and who isn't)?

It's easy to "know" the right moves, mechanics, etc. Having the ability/talent to star with them is the thing that does't come easy.

Shoot, I've read "The Art of Hitting .300" and "The Winning Hitter" enough times to pick a part a swing - - and I can't hit a breaking ball.

The line? Regulars get 'em - bench jockeys don't. Or something like that?