Hittersbox pitching specialist Chris Wietlispach chatted with ESPN writer/analyst David Shoenfield today about how the professionals are gearing up for Spring Training. Recently, a quartet of Big Leaguers has been utilizing the top-notch facilities available at Hittersbox Baseball Academy. Below is the text from their conversation:
Chris: "Hey David, I know that now is about the time when big leaguers start swinging the bats again, as we've had Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann, Freddie Freeman, and Dan Uggla hitting in our cages over the last week. What are the pitchers doing in preparation for Spring Training, and in particular, veteran pitchers?"
David: "Good question. I don't believe there is a general rule of thumb for pitchers. I've seen tweets and heard guys on the radio talk about starting up some long-tossing this time of year, maybe throwing a few from the mound (or indoors). But not a lot of cranking up at full speed until they get to spring training. And depending on the pitcher, a lot do work out, hit the gym, work on flexibility exercises and improve their core strength."
As you can see, the value of long-toss and bullpen work was the first thing Schoenfield mentioned. Combining those with strength training and flexibility exercises gives the pitcher a solid program, and a leg up on those who are sitting on the couch eating Doritos and playing Call of Duty for another month.
This is not only true for the pros. Young pitchers and the parents of those pitchers need to realize the importance of training, before the practice schedule even starts. Anybody who walks into a tryout having not thrown for months before is asking for an arm injury, and will certainly not make the desired impression on their potential coaches. With tryouts around the corner for most programs, the time is now to get into the Training Grounds at the Hittersbox. Look for our new camp listings, including the second run of the very successful Velocity Improvement Program, or sign up for a lessons package and get better. You can bet the serious ball players are working on their game, don't get left behind!!
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