theJemmer

I just hope the new arm angle doesn't eventually lead to arm problems. Remembering Kyle Gibson working on the revised arm motion....

This is elite analysis here :^ )

I used to have exactly your opinion on this - but mine has evolved over time to "I would need more information in order to pass judgement". The reason for this is simply that each country has their own set of protocols and government agencies (could be > 1) involved in these processes that can greatly impact the situation. The variability between countries and agencies within countries likely varies immensely. I'm guessing that the efficiency of certain government agencies in the small Caribean nations isn't always best in class. Don't forget that someone may need to "grease the wheels" as well with the right people... My daughter got a job working in an advanced European country working as a teacher. The school told her not to worry about getting a work visa - just come on over and we'll get it when you are here - no big deal. She was there 2 years and never got it. And believe me, it was not for lack of trying. "We need your college transcript" - ok - got it - emailed it over. "No, we need a stamped, certified one from the college" - ok - got one, took several weeks "Well, now we need a letter signed by the head of the college department" - ok - more weeks We relied on people that knew the process - and it was one headache and delay after another. Moral of my story is - if a government agency is involved - it may be far from straightforward. But these situations are always SO frustrating.

If he's gonna slide headfirst into second, I'd prefer he never steal. Shoulder, wrists, ... just not worth the injury risk.

100% agree Ted. Many people were ready to declare Jeffers the #1 and trade Garver in the early offseason. I predict he will have a great year and the more likely candidate for regression is Jeffers. Hope it doesn't happen, but not uncommon in the 2nd year in the league.

First - it's unforgiveable that MLB still hasn't stated definitively whether the DH will exist in both leagues this year. Second - if it goes as expected, DH only in the AL, it doesn't seem like there are other serious suitors for Cruz. I'd like to see the Twins have the 2nd year as a team option. Yes he's been great - but there were plenty of times last year where it looked like guys were starting to throw fastballs by him. And then sign him as hitting coach when his playing days are behind him.

The knuckle-alignment thing reminds me of teaching 8 year old girls how to grip the bat in fastpitch - gets the handle more in the fingers than the palm - which is more like a golf grip as well. As far as the hand movement goes I've always advocated for quiet hands prior to the swing. Get your hands where you want the swing to start from - and then relax until you launch. Pretty much the opposite of Gary Sheffield - there's always exceptions!

I don't understand the concept of the hands moving while the pitcher is in the windup. Hitting is hard enough. Get your hands in the ready position at the load point when the pitcher starts - then have quiet hands and just explode through the ball. Gary Sheffield be damned!!!

Looks like Scott Erickson if you don't look too close

If he throws 5mph faster than Gonsalves, then he is is on a significantly different path.

Gosh I hope this doesn't portend the endd of those WONDERFUL, HILARIOUS Grand Casino commercials that we see 8,000,000 times a season.

I'd love to read that Max reworked his swing during the off-season to elevate more.

If only Duffy had Hilgenberger's change...

Speaking of arm slot, when I watch Chagois I see a shorter Tonkin. Hope he is better.