By the time I consistently recognize this as the random baseball thread it will be time for a new one

Garza is done for the season. Wife's having twins. Shoulda stretched

Longtime broadcaster Milo Hamilton (60 years in baseball with the last 30 for the Astros) died today and the comments on his MLB story are fascinating.

Sounds like a winner

brewers naming astros asst gm david stearns gm. he's 30. my life feels small.

My nephew is 11 and wants to be a pitcher. I don't think he'll be particularly good, sorry there champ, but does anyone have any suggestions on how to help him chase this new dream? Any good books/videos/instructions?

slugsrbad wrote:My nephew is 11 and wants to be a pitcher. I don't think he'll be particularly good, sorry there champ, but does anyone have any suggestions on how to help him chase this new dream? Any good books/videos/instructions?

Not that I think they are totally worth the money but he should seek out some instruction from his local club team. Generally these are teams that have paid instructors (usually washed out college and pro ball pitchers) and will offer instruction for a price. It's important to learn the nuances and tricks of the trade from guys that have pitched at a higher level. Most of them are not good instructors, however, so it's hit and miss on the quality. Also helps if your nephew is good at taking instruction and working on it after he leaves. 30 minutes a week with an instructor will not do much unless he continues to work on it at home and at the ball field. As simple as looking at form in the mirror, doing drills, long tossing...etc.
I also recommend long tossing as much as possible to build arm strength.

Teach him the knuckler. Or spitball.

Get him to throw left handed

Buy him Tommy John surgery.

the Dodgers are going to shove Utley at 3B sometime soon

Fwiw, I've heard that long toss is a really good way to build up arm strength (and ultimately pitch speed). Not sure how true it is, but I'm really impressed with how far players can throw the ball during batting practice, so he could probably at least impress some chicks if it doesn't work.

Throw a lot.
But not breaking balls.
Long toss.
Pitch, too, but more later than earlier.

Run. A lot.
Work the legs.
Stretch. A lot.

Throw more.

Worry about form first, results second.
Once legs are in shape, strong, limber, motion should be easy.
Work on repeating a comfortable motion.
Keep long-tossing, keep pitching.

Feed him beef and milk, neither organic. Gotta be 6'4 or so.

Throw more.

Marlins interviewed Manny Acta for the manager job

Holland is out as Royals closer. Wade Davis takes over

BigEd76 wrote:A's called up Barry Zito. Good chance he faces off against Tim Hudson next week in what will likely be their final major league starts

official now. pretty cool. bringing back mulder too and honoring the big 3 in a pregame ceremony on sunday.

That is cool. Going to try to catch that game

Yogi Berra passed away.... 90 yrs old

The Tigers sent their closer home. Also, I had no idea Brad Ausmus was A.) a manager, or B.) 46 years old. Feels like yesterday I was watching him catch for the Astros.

were you watching ESPN classic yesterday