Episode 4, the Longisode? The BBQsode?, featuring the return of pitching and Indians savant Kyle Boddy. Check out Kyle’s analysis of the drafted pitchers here:
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/pitchers-of-the-2012-draft-first-round-analysis/
Featured music: Taj Mahal
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The only team hotter in the last 10 games than the MN Twins are the SF Giants. That said, can Twins fans expect any amount of durability into September for all the young pitchers? Are there any nerdy stat sheets that show age or year of pitcher with a correlation of durability late into the MLB season? What matters more…age or experience when it comes to durability? Or is it training and the degree to which an organization (i.e. Royals and Twins) “babies” their pitchers?
Dan:
I can’t speak to the development of Twins’ pitchers as well as Nick can (I update the website) but it seems to me like the experienced pitchers seem to be more durable… but is this confirmation bias? Are these pitchers better simply because their bodies are better built by nature and that’s why they’ve lasted longer in their careers than young players?
After interviewing Scobee and Boddy in episodes 3 and 4, my naive opinion is that an arm has a total number of it can throw in a career. Would applying strengthening techniques and exercises not only increase short-term durability but lengthen careers? My scientific mind thinks so.
I’m really stumped on the Twins this year. For a few weeks I was flummoxed at how bad they were. Now I wonder if they’re showing sustainable regression or simply on a common hot streak.
I will certainly forward your question to both Boddy and Scobee and get their take on your question.
Also, a sincere thanks for listening to the show. We’re really enjoying bringing it to you.
-Jason