In a recent interview with Ben Verlander, FOX Sports MLB analyst and former MLB pitcher, John Smoltz discussed the ongoing epidemic of injuries among MLB pitchers and the factors contributing to this issue. Smoltz highlighted the emphasis on velocity, spin rate, and analytics in the game over the past decade as the root cause of these injuries. He emphasized that players are rewarded for throwing harder and spinning the ball more, leading to increased injury rates. Smoltz refuted the idea that the pitch clock is to blame for these injuries, stating that the issue goes much deeper than that.
Smoltz mentioned that the pitch clock is only a minor factor in the overall problem, accounting for about 10-20% of the issue. He explained that the introduction of the pitch clock was necessary to speed up the pace of games and prevent suffocation of the sport due to lengthy games. Smoltz expressed his belief that the root cause of injuries lies in the emphasis on high velocity and spin rate in the game, which has been a trend for the past decade. He highlighted the need for a change in philosophy and management to address the issue effectively.
When asked about potential solutions to the problem, Smoltz suggested that a rule change affecting the philosophy of the game may be necessary to spur changes in player development and strategy. He emphasized that management plays a crucial role in determining the direction of player development and ensuring the health and longevity of pitchers. Smoltz stressed the importance of adjusting the reward system in baseball to encourage a focus on longevity and health rather than just performance metrics like velocity and spin rate.
Smoltz and Verlander discussed the trend of young pitchers using weighted balls in training, which has become popular in recent years. Smoltz expressed concern about the impact of these training methods on pitcher health and longevity. He emphasized that the focus on throwing harder and faster without considering the long-term consequences is detrimental to player well-being. Smoltz highlighted the need for a shift in player development strategies to prioritize health and longevity over short-term performance gains.
In conclusion, Smoltz emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of injuries among MLB pitchers by changing the philosophy of player development and team management. He stressed the need for a shift in focus towards promoting longevity and health in pitchers rather than prioritizing performance metrics like velocity and spin rate. By making adjustments to the reward system and reevaluating training methods, Smoltz believes that the issue of injuries among MLB pitchers can be effectively addressed and mitigated in the future.
