Wood/Prior vs. Pavano/Harden

by Luis on May 8, 2007 5:09 AM CDT

For all the talk and theories about Wood and Prior's health issues during their careers I find that there has been a lot less talk and scrutinity about guys like Carl Pavano and Rich Harden both of whom have also been regulars on the DL for many years now, and in the case particular case of Pavano, who's injuries rival in silliness and diversity those of Wood's and Prior's. I don't know much about Harden's history, but at least in the case Pavano I don't think pitch counts have had anything to do with his injuries. Hell, he has never pitched that much. And now it looks like Tommy John for him and the realization for the Yankees that the return for those 40 million will be practically nothing. And let's not even talk about Mike Hampton. Guess sometimes there is no real answer for these things.

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These guys are why

it's so expensive to get insurance on a mlb contract. Separate the on-field injuries (Prior getting hit on the elbow) from off-field injuries (genetic looseness). Some guys just have bad luck.

by pageian on May 8, 2007 6:42 AM CDT reply actions

According to Mr. Wonka ..

.. "for some things in life, there are no words .."

Boy, that guy was smart.

And I do mean the FIRST MOVIE .. not the second

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on May 8, 2007 7:10 AM CDT reply actions

Harden

There are many people who believe that Rich Harden has a mechanical flaw in his delivery that is the root cause of his problems. The issue is complicated, but it has to do with his wrist being below his elbow at a certain point in his delivery. The Hardball Times had a side-by-side video study of Harden's motion vs. Matt Cain about a month ago and the writer slowed down both of their motions to show where he thought Harden's problem was originating. I am not Larry Rothschild or Leo Mazzone, so I don't really have an informed opinion on the mechanics outside of what I read and my own experience, but the article and video study are definitely worth checking out.

by MHef08 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on May 8, 2007 10:13 AM CDT reply actions

The mechanical problem...

with his delivery is called pitching. It is not a natural motion and stresses everything in the arm. Some arms can take it...some arms cannot.

"Not true at all. Vaseline is manufactured right here in the United States." - Don Sutton, about the rumors that he uses a foreign substance on the ball

by Orangeman94 on May 8, 2007 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep

Ah, come on guys... It's so simple. Maybe you need a refresher course. Hey! It's all ball bearings nowadays. ...

by BlueMike on May 8, 2007 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Interesting

So you are suggesting that in this specific case, Carlos Gomez has no idea what he's talking about and it's all genetics? That mechanics haven't factored into Kerry Wood's problems? Or are you just saying that it's useless to focus on mechanics because certain human beings are genetically predisposed to an injury if they undertake this profession?

by MHef08 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on May 8, 2007 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Pitchers

I'm not necessarily a Jerry Reinsdorf fan. But I absolutely agree with his organizational philosophy of giving pitchers only a 3 year contract max. Pitcher injury and ineffectiveness seemingly always comes back to bite teams.

"Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know."

by BlueMike on May 8, 2007 10:15 AM CDT reply actions

There are four factors

That determine any players ability to stay healthy, specifically pitchers:

Genetics - inherent strength of their tendons, ligaments, and how they are attached to the bones.
How they prepare - I am a firm believer today's pitchers don't throw enouph, either during the offseason or even between starts. Some also overdue weight training, which can reek havoc with the pitching motion.
Mechanics, if you are overstressing your joints with poor mechanics, something will give.
This is very subjective, but every pitcher has a different tolerence of pitching with pain. Some can do it for years (Sandy Koufax) and others get derailed very easily.

"Just give me 25 guys on the last year of their contracts; I'll win a pennant every year" - Sparky Anderson

by MPH73 on May 8, 2007 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Among A's fans at least

there is a lot of scrutiny of Harden's inability to play. His injuries are difficult for fans to assess, because the A's have a tendency to be less than forthcoming about injuries.

visiting A's fan.

by rfloh @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on May 8, 2007 2:41 PM CDT reply actions