Pitching Coaches

[Jim Fainter]

I would like to hear from somebody who really knows, not from just a non-jock like myself, but from somebody who really knows what they are talking about concerning pitching coaches. That is, I think I know some of the things they can do FOR a pitcher to help him succeed, such as teaching a new pitch, certain fundamentals, conditioning, etc. but I woulod really like to know what a pitching coach can do to HURT a pitcher.

 

For example, Marti Contrerus (spelling?) has taken a lot of heat in both Chicago and Seattle for his activities as pitching coach, but I never heard what specifically he did to be detrimental to the development of pitchers. Is there anyone who is knowledgable out there who can address this subject? Maybe Jim Bullard?

[Chisoxfn]

Ok Jim. I'm a former pitcher. Not saying I'm great, but I think I know a good amount on mechanics whether its pitching or a swing.

 

What Nardi did wrong mainly came to his philosphy of talking to the pitchers. He was a yell at them type of guy and was notorious for going off and just ripping the young pitchers. Ripping doesn't do them a damn thing good if he isn't able to explain how to improve and all it does it make them feel like they don't have a friend in the pitching coach whom they can consult when it comes to throwing a certain pitch or something else.

 

Pitching coaches are kind of like mentors in a sense. They really tutor guys along, showing them the ropes and the pitchers got to really get along with them because these guys can look and analyze your stuff to help you. If you got a question you can go to them, they'll look at film and try to make minor adjustments. They can also help with you on a new pitch and are pretty much there whenever you need them. They also help you with pitching philopshy. They can say hey, next type try this or become more agressive with your stuff.

 

When Cooper came in, he was more a philosphy type guy who didn't really want to make huge adjustments in guys deliveries. He wanted to change their mindset, since 90% of the game or whatever is mental. He preached agressive pitching, where our guys would attack the hitters. He knew our pitchers had great stuff, they had to just be confident about it and pitch not aim. Now he did make some adjustments, but from what I know most of the adjustments he made were with Ritchie. When it came to the other guys it was more a mental approach or just telling them some minor things to improve action on a pitch or something along those lines. I can't comment more on what he did, because I wasn't there listening into his stuff.