Here's a dumb question...

[J0nnD0ugh]

Since teams are so nervous about wearing out their pitching staffs, why do they make pitchers report to camp 1st?

[SPTO]

Re: Here's a dumb question...

I think it's an archaic thing. It's a good question though. Maybe it's to get used to the catchers and stuff? I dunno, pitching mechanics is one of the hardest things to get back after a long layoff.

[rj9949]

Re: Here's a dumb question...

Since teams are so nervous about wearing out their pitching staffs, why do they make pitchers report to camp 1st?

It's usually to make sure they get their legs in shape, they do more running than anything.

[ehh]

Re: Here's a dumb question...

It's usually to make sure they get their legs in shape, they do more running than anything.

Indeed, I don't think they're doing any heavy throwing.

[Bamboospine1998]

Re: Here's a dumb question...

when you watch games towards the end of march you hear the hitters talking about being ready to go, pitchers are still working to increase their pitch counts, and relievers needing to still get some work in.

[oakfan162]

Re: Here's a dumb question...

I think that they are there working on conditioning and their lower body (as earlier noted). I also think it is a little nod towards tradition, especially since nowdays everyone has their own trainer/workout regiment (insert steroid joke here).

[MaddenMan]

Re: Here's a dumb question...

Indeed, I don't think they're doing any heavy throwing.

So "light" throwing is basically stretching and throwing like sissies?

[sportsdude]

Re: Here's a dumb question...

it takes a lot longer for a pitcher to get into season condition than it does for hitters. it is a more gradual process.

Look at the pitchers who played for their teams in the WBC but didn't get many innings. A prime example was the Twins' Matt Garza. He pitched very little in the WBC and wasn't right until after the all-star break.

[daflyboys]

Re: Here's a dumb question...

So "light" throwing is basically stretching and throwing like sissies?

I don't think it's throwing like sissies. I think it's just the normal throwing motion.....unless they're throwing with the opposite hand....then, yeah, sissy throw!